Health

Lifestyle Changes of Halle Berry: Type 2 Diabetes Becomes an Unexpected “Gift”

Written By: Arch
John

Actress and model Halle Berry is no stranger to the limelight. But she made headlines a few years ago about “curing” her Type 1 diabetes and weaning herself off insulin. For the record, there’s no cure for Type 1 diabetes and her previous comments were misinformed and potentially dangerous. She probably was diagnosed with Type 2 instead of Type 1.

Nowadays, she owns her condition. Beauty, fame, and an Academy Award are all things Halle Berry. “Type 2 diabetes patient” was not a label she was planning on, but she is making the most of her condition.

Keep reading to find a quick overview of Type 2 diabetes, as well as how it has changed this popular actress’ life. She may have made a splash in the diabetes community with her remarks, but a change in lifestyle and attitude has made her a diabetic celebrity to watch.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

If you have diabetes, an inability to process glucose causes abnormally high blood sugar levels in your body. When your blood sugar levels go up higher than normal, the condition is called hyperglycemia. But there are 2 forms of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.

People with Type 2 diabetes don’t use the insulin in their body properly. At first, your pancreas may try to make more insulin, but it won’t be sufficient to regulate blood sugar levels over time. In contrast, those with Type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin at all.

Symptoms

Type 2 diabetes develops over time. And you may not know you have it because the signs and symptoms may be so mild that you may not realize you are sick. Some signs to watch for include:

  • Increased hunger
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Frequent infections or slow-healing sores
  • Blurred vision
  • Patches of dark skin

Risk Factors and Complications

Scientists don’t fully understand why the pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or why some people become insulin resistant. But there are some factors that may make you more likely to develop this disease. They are:

  • Fat distribution

How your body distributes fat in your body makes a difference. And if your body stores fat mainly in your abdomen, you’re at a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes than others who store fat in their hips or thighs.

  • Weight

If you’re overweight, that is one of the biggest risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. Excess fatty tissue may make your cells resistant to insulin. However, you don’t have to be overweight to get Type 2 diabetes.

  • Family history

In addition, having a sibling or parent with this type of diabetes makes it more likely that you may develop the disease, too.

  • Inactivity

Inactivity may go hand-in-hand with being overweight and the higher risk for Type 2 diabetes. Also, if you aren’t physically active, you aren’t burning up glucose and your cells become less sensitive to insulin.

  • Race

Certain ethnicities are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, including Hispanics, American Indians, Africans, and Asians.

  • Pre-diabetic

Pre-diabetics already have higher than normal blood sugar levels. But it isn’t high enough to qualify as diabetes. Left untreated, however, it’s just a matter of time before the pre-diabetic condition transitions to full diabetes.

  • Age

As you get older, your risk for Type 2 diabetes gets higher. After age 45, your risk potential may become higher because of muscle loss, lack of exercise, and weight gain.

  • Other conditions

Women with certain conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, or gestational diabetes while pregnant, may be at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

One of the biggest worries for Type 2 diabetics is the potential to develop serious complications. Because diabetes can affect major organs, some possible complications include heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, hearing impairment, foot damage, skin conditions, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Treatment and Prognosis

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Type 2 diabetes. However, with the right lifestyle changes, you can manage the disease if you have it, or lower your risk for Type 2 diabetes if you don’t have it.

If you are diabetic or want to lower your risks, the 3 main things you may need to take a look at are:

  • Diet
  • Physical Activity
  • Weight loss

For some diabetics, closer monitoring and medication are necessary. But making healthy lifestyle choices remains the main way to keep Type 2 diabetes under control.

Eating healthy with low-fat and high-fiber foods may help control blood sugar levels. Staying away from refined carbs, sweets, and anything with a high glycemic index can also help you manage your glucose levels.

In addition, regular aerobic exercise is also key to keeping your blood sugar low. You may also have to monitor your blood sugar levels to keep on target. Insulin therapies and diabetic medicines aren’t always prescribed but depend on your individual situation. Your doctor may use a combination of measures to help you control your blood sugar levels.

Halle Berry: Type 2 Diabetes in the Spotlight

Halle Berry may have been the last celebrity anyone thought would be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. She is thin and relatively athletic. Doesn’t Type 2 diabetes only affect overweight, inactive people? Not necessarily.

Although people that are overweight and inactive are at higher risks for getting Type 2 diabetes, anyone can get it. In Halle Berry’s case, however, it may have been her racial decent that put her in a higher risk category. Because she has a white English mother and a black African-American father, she may have been genetically predisposed to the disease.

A lifestyle overhaul was just the first step for Halle Berry. Type 2 diabetes causes insulin resistance. So, Berry had to change the way she ate, how often she exercised, and get used to monitoring her blood sugar several times daily.

Now, though, she calls her condition a gift that gave her strength and toughness. She uses her unique perspective as she speaks out about living with diabetes, and as a spokesperson for a pharmaceutical company that specializes in diabetic products, Novo Nordisk.

Final Thought

The American Diabetes Association reported 9.4% of the American population in 2015 had diabetes. And celebrities don’t have a special immunity from the disease. It can truly develop in anyone at any time, though there are risk factors that may make some people more predisposed to the disease than others.

Celebrities like Halle Berry use their fame to create a dialogue in mainstream media about living with this disease, giving voice to the many faceless diabetics in the country.

Lastly, promoting healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle choices are the new norm for Halle Berry. Type 2 diabetics are also taking note and following her example.

References:

https://www.thediabetescouncil.com/celebrities-with-diabetes/
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-371528/Halle-Berry-My-battle-diabetes.html
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/

Tom Hanks’ Type 2 Diabetes Battle

Written By: Arch
John

Tom Hanks is without a doubt one of the most beloved figures in Hollywood. The star of such beloved movies as “Forrest Gump”, ”The Da Vinci Code”, and ”Bridge of Spies”, Hanks has won numerous prestigious awards over the course of his career. He is also universally beloved by his Hollywood peers, who have only the nicest things to say about him.

However, even though the world admires him for his extraordinary talent, he often describes himself as ‘a total idiot’. Why would he say this?

Well, the reason is his type 2 diabetes diagnosis, for which he takes the full blame. He could’ve prevented it, but didn’t take the necessary steps. And he’s not the only one.

Despite the fact that 30.2 million US adults live with diabetes, many people still don’t understand the mechanism behind this disease, which puts a strain on their ability to prevent and manage it.

Diabetes: An Overview

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose levels are too high. Generally, the level of insulin that your pancreas produces should be enough to ensure that glucose enters your cells so that they can use it as a source of energy.

However, some people’s bodies aren’t capable of producing insulin or using it effectively. Over time, this can lead to many health problems, the most common of which is diabetes.

The latest research from the American Diabetes Association shows that the cost of diagnosed diabetes is $327 billion, $237 billion of which is related to direct medical costs, while the remaining $90 billion is associated with decreased productivity.

Of course, the biggest issue isn’t of economical nature. Diabetes can lower the quality of your life by a lot. Moreover, there are many possible complications of diabetes, including heart disease and stroke.

The disease can take multiple forms, two of which are the most common – type 1 and type 2. Since many don’t really understand the difference, let’s take a look at both types.

Type 1 Diabetes – A Rare, But Severe Occurrence

People suffering from type 1 diabetes don’t have the ability to produce insulin at all. This is because the immune system, which is supposed to fight infection, attacks the pancreatic cells that make insulin. As a result, people need to seek external sources of insulin on a daily basis.

This is a more serious form of the disease that can’t really be prevented or completely cured. Still, this is a fairly rare type of the disease, with only around 5% of American diabetics suffering from it.

Even though a definite cause of the disease is unknown, experts believe that genetic and environmental factors play the biggest role.

The good news is that we might be getting closer to a better way of managing the disease. Researches are currently working on a device called artificial pancreas, which would be able to substitute the function of the real one.

Type 2 Diabetes – Common, But Avoidable

Type 2 diabetes is far less severe than the type 1, as the body of a person suffering from it is still able to produce some insulin. The issue is that there’s not enough of it or that it’s not used properly. There are several factors that contribute to its development, the most common being obesity, lack of exercise, and insulin resistance.

Having a poor lifestyle can greatly increase your chances of developing this disease. This is exactly what happened to Tom Hanks. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented in many different ways, according to the DDPOS.

So where did Tom Hanks go wrong? Let’s see what he has to say about this.

What Caused Tom Hanks’ Type 2 Diabetes?

In 2013, during his appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman”, Tom Hanks announced that he had type 2 diabetes. This is when everyone really understood why he looked a lot different than he used to. He was a lot slimmer than everyone knew him and it wasn’t for a movie role or just the looks.

Many people believe that it was his obesity that led to the diagnosis. Even though it was definitely a large factor, it might not have been the determining one.

Over the course of his career, Tom Hanks has had more weight changes than most actors. He shed 26 pounds for his role in “Philadelphia”, 55 for “Cast Away”, and gained 30 pounds for his role as a baseball coach in ”A League of Their Own”. These are only some of his biggest weight changes, but there were definitely more of them.

Experts have debated whether these weight fluctuations had influence on Tom Hanks’ type 2 diabetes. Hanks states that these changes have likely been a big factor. So no, obesity isn’t the only thing that led to the diagnosis, but there are still many things that he could have done to prevent the disease from happening.

He knows this, which is why he considers himself to be a ‘total idiot’. He states that he’s always been aware of his weight, but refused to listen to doctors’ advice related to his weight issues.

Today, at 62 years old, Hanks is still battling the disease, mainly by adopting healthy lifestyle changes.

How Not to Make the Same Mistake

Hanks regrets not living a healthier life. If only he’d been controlling his weight, he might’ve never developed diabetes in the first place. If there’s one good thing that came out of this, it is the increased awareness of the disease. Hopefully, many people will learn from Hanks’ mistakes and do everything they can to stay healthy.

Here are some simple tips that you should follow in order to minimize the chance of getting diabetes:

  • Track your diet and exercise – Try to monitor the foods you eat, as well as your level of exercise. This will allow you to create a balanced lifestyle that can help you prevent the development of diabetes.
  • Stress less – Stress hormones like cortisol have a large influence on blood glucose levels. Even though stress might not cause diabetes, it can increase your chances of getting it.
  • Look for the warning signs – There are many symptoms of both types of diabetes. If you think you might be at risk, pay close attention to them, and visit your doctor if you notice any.

The Final Word

This should be enough to ensure that you remain diabetes-free. If you suffer from obesity, you might want to adopt some healthy lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes from developing. Even if you don’t have weight issues, diabetes can happen to pretty much anyone, so it’s best to do everything in your power to prevent it.

References:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000158/awards
https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/facts-statistics-infographic#5
https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hyperglycemia/hyperglycemia-when-your-blood-glucose-level-goes-too-high
http://www.diabetes.org/advocacy/news-events/cost-of-diabetes.html
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/heart-disease-stroke
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/data/statistics/national-diabetes-statistics-report.pdf
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/four-pivotal-nih-funded-artificial-pancreas-research-efforts-begin
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10201642
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/diabetes-symptoms

Health

Best Cold Medicine

Written By: Arch
John

If you woke up with a cough or a running nose, chances are that you’ve caught a cold. Also, if your muscles ache, your throat is sore, and you feel fatigued for no apparent reason, you probably have a cold.

The cold is one of the most common diseases, regularly affecting both adults and children. As of this writing, there is no cure, though numerous remedies and treatments are available. Let’s look into what the cold is and what some of the best cold medicine options out there are.

What Is the Common Cold?

The common cold is a viral disease which usually affects the upper parts of the respiratory system, particularly the nose. Aside from the nose, it may also affect the sinuses, throat, and larynx.

The cold is an infectious disease and is easily transferred from one person to another. The symptoms might take a few days to develop and usually last from five to ten days, though sometimes they can last several weeks.

One of the easiest ways to contract it is through direct contact with an infected person. You can also catch a cold indirectly, through interaction with infected everyday objects. Resistance to cold depends directly on the strength of your immune system.

Causes and Symptoms

A large number of virus strains, over 200 of them, can cause the common cold. Rhinoviruses are among the most common and prominent ones. Human coronavirus, adenoviruses, human respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus, human parainfluenza viruses, influenza viruses, and a host of other viruses are known to cause the cold.

The most common symptoms of the cold include coughing, nasal congestion, and sore throat. Often, these are accompanied by headaches, fatigue, muscle ache, as well as reduced appetite. The color of the nasal secretion and sputum might also change. It may become green or yellow. The fever is, for example, more common in children than adults. Sore throat and cough are present in about half of the cases.

Best Cold Medicine

Despite the fact that there is no definitive cure for the disease, colds can be quite successfully treated with a wide range of home and over-the-counter remedies. Here are some of the best options to deal with the cold.

OHCO Cold Snap Powder

OHCO’s Cold Snap Powder is a natural, herbal remedy. It is based on the traditional Chinese medicine recipes and has extracts of 20 different herbs. It is best used in the earliest stages of the cold, before the symptoms fully develop. Cold Snap Powder is also beneficial for your overall immune system. On the other hand, it might not be the best solution if the cold is in the full swing.

Vicks DayQuil Cough Cold and Flu Relief

DayQuil Cough Cold and Flu Relief by Vicks is there when you have the cold but can’t stay in bed throughout the day. It comes in the form of LiquiCaps, with 48 capsules making up one pack. DayQuil is designed to suppress the main symptoms of the cold and give you some relief. It is good against pains and aches, nasal congestion, fever, sore throat, headaches, and cough.

Genexa Cold Crush

If you want something natural and GMO-free to battle the cold, you might want to take a look at Genexa Cold Crush. Cold Crush is also certified organic and is great at suppressing symptoms of the common cold, such as cough, sore throat, runny nose, mucus, congestion, and sneezing. It will also alleviate the feelings of daytime drowsiness. There are 60 chewable tablets in the package.

Zicam Cold Remedy Dissolving Tablets

The best way to tackle a cold is to react as soon as the first symptoms appear. Among the remedies design for this purpose, Zicam Cold Remedy Dissolving Tablets are among the best options. The tablets dissolve quickly and have a pleasant citrus flavor. Zicam Cold Remedy Dissolving Tablets are both natural and homeopathic. However, they won’t help you much once the symptoms develop.

Theraflu

Perhaps the number one remedy for cold around the world is a hot cup of tea. It is also one of the first recommendations you are bound to get from your doctor, along with staying in bed until the symptoms weaken. Theraflu is a tea designed especially to battle coughing, sore throat, and other common symptoms. Acetaminophen helps Theraflu relieve pain and fever. Theraflu is also available in the form of syrup and caplets.

Sambucol Black Elderberry

Here is another natural remedy made to tackle the first signs of the cold. Sambucol Black Elderberry tablets taste like elderberry and can be safely consumed by adults and children aged 4 and older. You can take them on their own, as they don’t need water to dissolve. Sambucol tablets are powerful against all common symptoms in the early stages, but are not all that effective with colds in full swing.

Coricidin HBP

If you happen to have high blood pressure, Coricidin HBP might be your best choice to combat the common cold. It was designed to suppress the usual symptoms and keep the blood pressure low at the same time. Though efficient against a variety of symptoms, it excels at relieving cough. HBP tablets are only partially natural and contain sugar among other ingredients.

Robitussin Adult Max

When a cold hits particularly hard, Robitussin Adult Max is one of the best ways to handle it. Adult Max is a very strong formula and children under the age of 12 should not use it. It contains two powerful components, an expectorant to break up chest congestion and a cough suppressant. Aside from cough and congestion problems, Robitussin will help you shake off drowsiness and keep running throughout the day.

Vicks NyQuil Cough Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief

Being able to rest and get quality sleep is the first and most important prerequisite to having a strong immune system. However, when the cold hits, the symptoms are usually the worst during the night. Vicks NyQuil Cough Cold and Flu Nighttime Relief is designed to relieve cough, headaches, sneezing, and other symptoms, thus allowing you to sleep peacefully throughout the night. It comes in the form of LiquiCaps, similar to DayQuil Cough Cold and Flu Relief.

Conclusion

As common as it is, catching a common cold is never a fun thing. Aside from the unpleasant symptoms, the cold can also sideline you for an entire week or even two. Thankfully, with some of the best cold medicine options presented in this article, you should be up and running in no time.

Resources:

https://runnerclick.com/10-best-otc-cold-medicines-reviewed/
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-medicines-adults#1
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/buy-fast-relief-cold-flu#1
https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-cold-medicine-4169704
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_cold

What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Written By: Alexandra Waller
John

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare and serious disorder that requires hospitalization. It impacts the skin and mucous membranes and is usually distinguished by a painful rash that can spread and blister. There are some researchers who believe that SJS is a separate disease from toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). However, others believe the two to be the same disease that comes in differing levels. For example, TEN is also a serious skin condition that can cause rashes and blistering, but it is more intense than SJS.

Within this article, we are going to be observing what is SJS. Additionally, we will discuss SJS in relation to drug side effects. Please note that I am not a doctor. Although this article has undergone extensive research to try to provide accurate and up-to-date information, do not replace this article with your doctor’s advice. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

As previously mentioned, SJS is a serious skin disorder in which the skin can become painful and lead to rashes, blisters, and/or peeling. Another name for it is Lyell’s syndrome or erythema multiforme major. It may also be called something else depending on the cause, such as mycoplasma-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome. For example, if it was caused by a drug reaction, it may be called drug-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

SJS can appear in anyone under the age of 30 years. However, it can cause problems in older adults as well. Additionally, people with a family history of SJS may be more likely to have the condition. Let your doctor know if you or any of your family members experienced SJS.

Symptoms

There are several symptoms of SJS, including the following:

  • Flu-like symptoms (fever, coughing, headache, sore mouth and throat)
  • Tiredness
  • Eye irritation
  • Skin pain
  • Red or purple rash
  • Blisters

If your condition worsens or persists, contact your doctor immediately. If you believe your condition or symptoms appear to be life threatening, stop taking all nonessential medications and call 911. Individuals are more likely to experience flu-like symptoms at first, which can then be followed by rashes or blisters on the skin.

Causes

Depending on your condition, it may be difficult for your doctor to identify the specific cause of SJS. Certain drugs or infections may cause the disorder. Because it is a rare and unpredictable disease, there may not be an identifiable cause in which the syndrome becomes idiopathic. At least 100 drugs can cause SJS. In several cases an allergic reaction to medicines can cause SJS. However, in other cases infections as well as vaccinations can cause SJS. Below is a list of more common causes of SJS:

Drugs

  • Anti-gout medicines (allopurinol)
  • Medications that help treat seizures and mental illness (anticonvulsants and antipsychotics)
  • Medications that help fight infection (penicillin)
  • Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium)

Infections and Other Conditions

  • Hepatitis A
  • Herpes virus
  • HIV
  • Pneumonia (especially in children)
  • Bone marrow transplant
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Other chronic conditions related to the joints and connective tissue

Treatment

SJS is treatable by a medical professional. It requires hospitalization and often involves treatment in a burn center or intensive care unit. The first thing your doctor may ask is that you stop taking any medications that may be causing your reaction. Additionally, you may be required to stop taking all nonessential medications if it is too difficult to discern the cause of your condition. Other treatment processes may involve supportive care and/or other medications, such as pain medication.

Drugs Associated with SJS

Earlier in this article we discussed that there are several possible causes of SJS. More specifically, several cases demonstrate that drugs can lead to SJS. Drug side effects can range from common to severe. The most common drugs that are associated with SJS include: allopurinol, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, acetaminophen, nevirapine, sulfonamides, and certain NSAIDs. Some of these drugs are prescribed to patients with fibromyalgia, HIV/AIDS, lupus, and other conditions.

More specifically, here is a list of common drugs associated with SJS in relation to other conditions:

  • Acetaminophen: mild to moderate pain (headaches, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia), fever
  • Allopurinol: kidney stones, gout (a form of arthritis)
  • Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and phenytoin): seizures
  • Antipsychotics: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia
  • Nevirapine: HIV infection
  • NSAIDs (oxicams): pain, fever, inflammation, anti-thrombosis
  • Sulfonamides: class of antibiotic drugs

There may be more corresponding drugs or conditions not listed above. Other factors may also cause or trigger SJS. Talk to your doctor about other possible causes of SJS. Also, if you have any questions or concerns, reach out to a medical professional you trust.

Health

The Eating Trials of Elisabeth Hasselbeck: Celiac, Diets, and Gluten

Written By: Arch
Arch

Do you avoid gluten-rich foods? If you do, it may because gluten’s been featured in headlines for the past few years and not because the doctor told you to.

Gluten sensitivity or celiac affects 1% of the population. Of the 3 million people in the United States affected by it, 97% are undiagnosed. That’s what happened to Elisabeth Hasselbeck, the former co-host of ABC’s daytime panel talk show “The View”.

She suffered from mysterious symptoms for years. Her doctor diagnosed her as having irritable bowel syndrome and prescribed medication for that condition. But the symptoms didn’t subside and the doctor didn’t have answers.

It wasn’t until Hasselbeck joined the cast of “Survivor: The Australian Outback” in 2001 that she started to get answers. The unusual and sparse diet she was forced to eat while filming finally gave her answers. But the questions still abounded for Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Celiac may have been the condition that gave her the mystery symptoms.

What Is Celiac?

Celiac disease, or gluten-sensitivity enteropathy, triggers an immune reaction in your small intestine when you eat a protein found in barley, wheat, and rye. It’s also called coeliac or sprue sometimes.

What happens is that eating gluten damages the small intestine’s lining over time and prevents it from absorbing some nutrients. The damage also causes other symptoms like bloating, weight loss, and anemia.

These symptoms can lead to serious complications. In children, not being able to absorb nutrients can also affect development and growth.

Wheat Allergies vs. Celiac Disease

It’s important to note, however, that celiac disease and wheat allergies are not the same thing. Some people may experience similar symptoms after eating foods with gluten in them, like gas or bloating, which may cause some confusion.

But an allergic reaction to wheat can trigger mild symptoms like rashes and hives to severe ones like loss of consciousness and trouble breathing. Depending on the severity of your allergic reaction, food allergies can be fatal.

Celiac, on the other hand, makes your body react differently. If you have celiac disease, not only does your body dislike gluten, but it triggers an immune response that attacks the small intestine lining.

Those attacks can do damage to your intestines over time and cause serious complications like intestinal damage or malnutrition. However, you won’t immediately experience any potentially life-threatening reactions to gluten the way you would with a food allergy.

So in the simplest terms, wheat allergies generate an allergic response while celiac disease triggers an immune response. Both can cause serious health complications to varying degrees over time, but a food allergy can be fatal.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Unfortunately, you can’t point to one set of symptoms and signs as a way to tell if you have celiac. Some symptoms are not even related to the digestive system at all. They may include:

  • Loss or softening of bone density
  • Anemia
  • Blistery, itchy skin rash
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Dental enamel damage
  • Joint pain
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Acid reflux
  • Cognitive impairment

Celiac symptoms in children may also differ from adults and include constipation, irritability, delayed puberty, and muscle wasting. This makes it even more difficult for doctors to pinpoint the exact cause of the symptoms.

Risk Factors and Complications

According to the Mayo Clinic, only 20% of people with celiac receive a diagnosis. Doctors can do blood tests for celiac disease, but sometimes celiac symptoms are so close to other conditions that they may not know to test for it.

If you go untreated for celiac disease, you may experience serious complications like:

  • Loss of bone density and calcium
  • Malnutrition
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Miscarriage and infertility
  • Neurological problems
  • Cancer

Celiac disease does go untreated, though. Nearly 1% of the world population has celiac disease, but 80% don’t even know it. This, in turn, can lead to the serious complications mentioned before.

Anyone can get celiac disease but there are certain risk factors that may make your potential higher. They may include having someone in the family that has celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis. Having type 1 diabetes is another major risk factor. Other conditions like Addison’s disease, Down syndrome, and Rheumatoid arthritis may also make your risk higher.

Treatment Options

The only real treatment option is to go 100% gluten-free. Your doctor or dietitian may also recommend vitamins and other supplements to address malnutrition issues, but you have to be careful about that.

Gluten can be found in some unexpected sources. Medications, vitamins, and even lip balms may have trace amounts of gluten, so you have to read ingredient lists carefully. There is currently no cure for celiac disease. However, doctors believe that eliminating gluten from your diet removes the trigger for celiac symptoms.

Eating with Elisabeth Hasselbeck – Celiac-Friendly Cooking and Media Awareness

Being outspoken is one of the trademarks of celebrity host Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Celiac has been one of the main topics since she came out about having the disease. She has also written a few books about her gluten-free life, including one cookbook that showcases her favorite recipes.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of money going into research for autoimmune diseases such as celiac, but Hasselbeck says that you don’t need a magic pill. Diet changes are all you need.

Her influence and vocal support about celiac awareness have eased the way for others who were diagnosed with the disease. She’s shown through example that a celiac diagnosis doesn’t mean that you have to stop eating great food when you go gluten-free. In fact, many people are choosing to eat that way even when they don’t have celiac disease.

Final Thought

Being an outspoken advocate for gluten-free living and controversial topics seems to be the gluten-free bread and butter for Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Celiac disease may not have been in the limelight years ago, but celebrities like her who have come forward with their chronic conditions provide inspiration to the hungry public.

The hospitality industry is also catching up. Many eateries and markets across the country now provide gluten-free options for those who suffer from celiac disease, proving that you can still eat freely with the disease.

References:

https://www.cureceliacdisease.org/wp-content/uploads/341_CDCFactSheets8_FactsFigures.pdf
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/celiac-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352225
https://www.everydayhealth.com/celiac-disease/elisabeth-hasselbeck.aspx
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2016/05/going-gluten-free
https://www.foodallergy.org/about-fare/blog/know-the-difference-wheat-allergy-vs-celiac-disease

Infliximab: Warnings and Side Effects

Written By: Alexandra Waller
John

Infliximab is an immunosuppressive drug. It can be available as a prescription and as an injectable solution. A common brand for infliximab is Remicade. It is usually used to help treat certain conditions related to arthritis, bowel diseases, and severe skin disease. These conditions include, but are not limited to ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Within this article, we will be observing the warnings and possible side effects of infliximab. First, let’s look at how the solution works.

Please note I am not a doctor. Although this article has undergone research to try to provide accurate and up-to-date information, do not replace your doctor’s advice about the following information. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

How does it work?

Infliximab works by blocking the action of TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha is also known as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and it is a protein made by the body’s immune system. By blocking the action of TNF-alpha, infliximab helps decrease swelling. It also helps slow down the damage caused by too much of the natural protein. When there is too much TNF-alpha in the body the immune system may attack healthy tissues. This is why it is important that infliximab works by slowing down or stopping the damage caused by the protein TNF-alpha.

Warnings

There are some warnings for patients who are given infliximab. The following is a list that consists of warnings while taking infliximab:

Allergy

Infliximab can cause an allergic reaction. Let your doctor know if you have had any allergic reactions to infliximab or other medicines in the past. If you experience itchy patches of skin, hives, trouble breathing, high or low blood pressure, dizziness, fever, or chest pain, you may be experiencing a severe allergic reaction. Call 911 immediately if you believe you may be experiencing a severe reaction. Keep your doctor updated about your condition.

Alcohol

There are not any known interactions with light drinking. However, it is advisable to not consume alcohol while using infliximab.

Children

Do not give children this drug. Infliximab has not been established for individuals under the age of 18 years. However, your doctor may recommend infliximab for children over the age of 6 years to treat Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Pregnant Women

Women should avoid infliximab if they are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. Let your doctor know if you become pregnant while taking infliximab. Although it is suggested to avoid this drug while pregnant, your doctor may recommend it if the potential benefit outweighs the possible risks.

Seniors

Adults older than 65 years are at a higher risk for a serious infection. Avoid taking this drug if you are a senior.

Other Conditions

Individuals who have certain health conditions should be cautious while using infliximab. These conditions include:

  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Blood problems
  • Nervous system problems
  • Heart problems
  • Infections

Let your doctor know if you have had any of these health conditions. It is important to not take infliximab if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Side Effects

In addition to warnings, there are some side effects that can occur while taking infliximab. Here is a list of possible side effects of the medication:

  • headache
  • coughing
  • stomach pain
  • heartburn
  • nausea
  • runny nose
  • trouble breathing
  • chills
  • fever
  • hives
  • rash

If any of these symptoms persist, contact your doctor as soon as possible. However, if the symptoms worsen or become more severe, stop taking this drug. As mentioned previously, some of these side effects may be severe allergic reactions. As well as the side effects listed above there are also more serious side effects. Below is a list of more severe side effects. Call 911 if your reactions appear to be life-threatening.

  • heart failure: difficulty breathing, unwanted weight gain
  • liver damage
  • blood problems: bruising easily, pale skin
  • seizures
  • blurred vision
  • loss of appetite
  • muscle or joint pain
  • swelling of the face or hands
  • psoriasis symptoms: red bumps on the skin, scaly patches
  • nervous system problems: vision changes, numbness in the body
  • infections: sore throat, sinus infection

Other Important Information

Talk to your doctor if you have other questions or concerns. There are other pieces of information to consider while taking the medication, including the TB test. Your doctor may test you for TB before prescribing you with infliximab. Other tests may include hepatitis B virus infection test, blood tests (for infections), and liver function tests. This is to make sure your risks will not increase while taking this drug. Make sure to take this drug as directed and ask your doctor for additional information.

Microcurrent Therapy for Fibromyalgia

Written By: Alexandra Waller
John

What is Microcurrent Therapy?

Microcurrent therapy is the process in which electrical currents are applied at specific parts of the body. It uses a low-amp electrical stimulus to help heal tissue faster and provide relief from pain. The controlled application of microcurrent therapy can help those with injuries or chronic conditions in association to pain.

Within this article we will be examining how microcurrent therapy can help treat patients with fibromyalgia. Firstly, let us look at how microcurrent therapy works.

Disclaimer: Although this article has undergone extensive research, do not replace the following information with your doctor’s advice. Reach out to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

How does it work?

Did you know that the cells in your body need certain amounts of electricity in order to communicate through electromagnetic signaling? In fact, your body has a natural electric current that helps provide this molecular function. However, it is possible that the body’s cells are unable to perform their function when electromagnetic signals are disrupted, such as from physical injuries. An injury can disrupt the electrical signaling in cells.

Microcurrent therapy works by helping your body restore its electrical current so that the cells can repair themselves. This process gives you the opportunity to heal and prevent future injury.

Risks

Microcurrent therapy is non-invasive and is pain-free. The currents are usually given at low levels so you will hardly feel anything. However, this treatment option may not be for everyone. If you have implanted cardiac pacemakers, do not use microcurrent therapy. The electrical stimulus can impact how the pacemaker works. Additionally, there are not enough studies to determine whether this treatment process is harmful to pregnant women. Pregnant women should avoid this treatment option. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant in order to go over the possible risks and effects associated with microcurrent therapy.

Treatment

As previously mentioned, microcurrent therapy can help treat certain injuries. Besides injuries, it can also help treat other conditions, including sciatica, osteoarthritis, neuromuscular pain or inflammation, myofascial pain, adhesions, and more. It is mostly used in patients who suffer from chronic inflammation or pain as well as tissue injuries or bone injuries. Specifically for this article we will be looking at how microcurrent therapy can help treat fibromyalgia.

Microcurrent Therapy and Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is actually the second most common condition that affects the bones and muscles. Unfortunately, there is not a cure for fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can often be misdiagnosed. Doctors are still unsure about its cause. Some symptoms include widespread muscle and joint pain, insomnia, tiredness, depression, anxiety, twitching, difficulty concentrating, feeling nervous, and more. Although patients with fibromyalgia have to deal with the physical aspects of the condition, there are also the negative affects on the individual’s mentality as well.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can dramatically impact the patient’s life. However, there are ways to treat the condition and relieve certain symptoms. Microcurrent therapy is a treatment option that can help with the muscular pain and tenderness from fibromyalgia. Because treatment can help relieve physical symptoms of fibromyalgia, it can also have a positive impact on the patient’s mental health. By relieving severe pain, this treatment option can make it easier for patients to focus on their mental health.

Why Microcurrent Therapy?

Microcurrent therapy can be a great option for fibromyalgia patients because it is a painless procedure that is non-invasive and helps with chronic pain. Some treatment methods, such as pain medications or antidepressants, may not work effectively. Microcurrent therapy may be a more effective treatment option if other treatment services are not working for you. However, because there is not a specific way to cure fibromyalgia, this treatment option may not be the best option for you. Talk to your doctor for more information in order to receive accurate details about what steps you should take to treat your condition. You may need to undergo more than one treatment plan and take an all-encompassing approach.

Painmaster Microcurrent Therapy

Painmaster microcurrent therapy is an option that can deliver 24-hour relief. Patients can wear it under their clothing because it consists of small, electronic patches. These patches have several benefits, including how it can release muscle trigger points, it is clinically tested, FDA approved, non-invasive, drug free, natural pain relief, and no external power supply is required. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may recommend a different method of microcurrent therapy for you depending on your condition.

Health

Keep Calm and Look for Answers – Dealing with Sharp Pain in Stomach Area

Written By: Arch
Arch

How should you react to experiencing a sharp, stabbing pain in your stomach?

This can happen to anyone, and it tends to be extremely unnerving. While you’re in pain, it’s difficult to think things through. You may be tempted to assume the worst of the situation, or you may do the opposite and try to ignore the problem.

The truth is that there are many possible reasons why you’re experiencing this kind of pain. It may be a passing symptom, or it could indicate that there’s something more serious going on.

Here are some questions you might have about sharp abdominal pain.

When Should You Contact Emergency Medical Services?

There are some situations that require you to contact 911 as soon as you register stomach pain:

  1. Stomach Pain After an Injury: If you have recently suffered an injury, the sharp pain might be a sign of internal damage. This can show up hours or even days after your injury. Call an ambulance as soon you notice any abdominal pain.
  2. Sharp Pain in Stomach and Chest at the Same Time: Numbness or pain in the stomach is one of the possible side effects of a heart attack.

If you’re experiencing sharp stomach pain, you should seek out immediate medical care in the following cases:

  • A Pain So Severe That You Can’t Move Freely

  • You Have Difficulty Breathing

  • Blood in Your Vomit or Your Bowel Movements

  • Swelling or Tenderness in Your Belly

Pancreatitis causes this combination of symptoms. It’s very important to get it treated immediately.

  • Fever Over 101 Degrees Fahrenheit

  • Yellowing in the Skin or the Eyes

These symptoms are called jaundice. In adults, jaundice can be the sign of an infection or a tumor.

  • Sharp Pain During Pregnancy

Even without any other symptoms, sharp abdominal pain during pregnancy can be a huge danger sign. If you’re pregnant and feel a stabbing pain, seek out medical help immediately.

When Should You Call Your Doctor and Schedule an Appointment?

The following symptoms indicate a serious and urgent condition. While you may not need an ambulance, contact your doctor without delay if you’re experiencing any of the following:

  • Pain that lasts longer than a couple of hours
  • Moderate fever alongside the pain
  • Constipation, especially if you’re vomiting as well
  • Prolonged vomiting or loss of appetite
  • Pain or burning during urination

Even if you don’t have any of these extra symptoms, you can call your doctor to consult.

What Causes Sharp Abdominal Pain?

If you Google “sharp pain in stomach”, you’ll find an endless list of potential causes. WebMD lists seventeen possible reasons behind this symptom. Over on Healthline, stomach pain is linked to 172 different conditions.

Let’s look into some of the most common causes.

1. Indigestion and Gas

These symptoms come from eating too quickly or eating while you’re upset or anxious. Fatty foods and alcohol can lead to indigestion too. If you’re experiencing gas and indigestion, the pain will be located in your intestine or your upper abdomen.

  • Treatment:

These problems recede after you’ve had bowel movement. Taking an antacid can be a good way to ease the pain. Popular home remedies include chamomile tea, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda.

Indigestion is one of the most benign causes of sharp stomach pain. But if it is a common occurrence for you, you should speak to a doctor about it. These can be symptoms of a more serious medical condition.

2. Food Sensitivities and Allergies

Allergies may manifest in stabbing pain, bloating, and gas. The symptoms can also come from food sensitivities such as lactose intolerance.

  • Treatment:

This isn’t dangerous unless you’re at risk of anaphylaxis. If you have frequent stomach pain, you might want to do an allergy test. A few simple modifications to your diet could be all you need to get rid of the pain. In the case of lactose intolerance, your doctor may prescribe enzyme pills.

3. Food Poisoning

According to the CDC, around 48 million people in the US get impacted by food poisoning every year. Around 3,000 people a year die of it.

Apart from the pain, food poisoning symptoms include nausea and diarrhea. If your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, call a doctor.

  • Treatment:

Most cases of food poisoning pass without any treatment. Experts say that it’s better to avoid taking anti-nausea drugs until you’ve asked your doctor. If you suspect that the food poisoning came from mushrooms or seafood, you should call 911 right away.

4. The Stomach Flu

Getting the stomach flu (gastroenteritis) is an extremely uncomfortable experience. It tends to come with vomiting and intense diarrhea.

  • Treatment:

If you have gastroenteritis, you’re at serious risk of dehydration, so you should make sure to consume enough liquids. If you suspect you are getting dehydrated, look for medical help.

5. Gallstones

If you have gallstones, they may block a duct in your gallbladder. This is the source of the sudden, stabbing pain. Associated symptoms include jaundice and a fever.

  • Treatment:

While there are some natural remedies for gallstones, serious cases require surgery. Medications are a possibility as well.

6. Menstrual Pain, Ovulation Pain, and Gynecological Complication

During menstruation and ovulation, you may experience a stabbing pain in your lower abdomen. This is usually no cause for concern, and it should pass within a few hours.

However, this kind of pain may also come from ectopic pregnancy. This is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent treatment. It comes with vaginal bleeding.

  • Treatment:

If you have any reason to suspect you’re going through an ectopic pregnancy, contact a doctor right away. It generally requires surgical treatment.

In the case of strong menstrual or ovulation pains, you might benefit from medical testing. An underlying condition could be making these pains more severe.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing sudden stomach pain, take a moment to consider other symptoms. If you also feel chest pain, call 911. Calling an ambulance is also necessary if you’ve recently been injured or if you consumed mushrooms or seafood. There are some other symptoms that require immediate medical care.

There’s a chance that your sharp abdominal pain is caused by an infection, a tumor, or a blockage of some kind. Hence, it’s very important to take this kind of pain seriously. If you act on it immediately, you can prevent various complications.

References:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/chest-pain-a-heart-attack-or-something-else
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/abdominal-pain-causes-treatments#1
https://www.healthline.com/symptom/abdominal-pain
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-540/lactase
https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/foodborne-germs.html
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/food-poisoning-treatment
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/ectopic-pregnancy

Health

Cramping Early in Pregnancy – What You Can Do to Ease the Discomfort

Written By: Arch
Arch

Many women experience cramps all throughout pregnancy. This can be an unsettling experience, especially at first. While some cramps are harmless, others indicate that there’s a problem. It’s crucial to learn the difference.

Here’s an overview of the different kinds of cramping you may experience in the first trimester, followed by a quick look at remedies.

Non-Dangerous Reasons for Cramping

The womb is a muscle, and it cramps every time it goes through a significant change. Let’s look at some of the changes that happen in the first trimester.

  • Implantation Bleeding

Cramping and spotting can be among the earliest signs of pregnancy.

When the embryo embeds itself into the wall of your womb, you may experience cramping as well as light bleeding. The cramps signal changes happening in the uterine wall.

Implantation bleeding happens around 6-12 days after the egg is fertilized. This means that it may happen just when you expect your period.

This is why many women mistake implantation bleeding for the symptoms of menstruation. However, it’s typically lighter than menstrual bleeding and may come with a white discharge.

As implantation bleeding happens to everyone, there’s no need to worry. But if the discharge has a bad smell, you may have a yeast infection. Your doctor needs to be notified because it might impact your pregnancy.

  • Changes in the Size of the Womb

Once the embryo starts growing, the uterus will grow to accommodate it. The resulting cramps last throughout the pregnancy.

After the first trimester, you may also experience pain in the sides of your groin. With the growth of the uterus, the ligaments supporting this organ have to stretch.

  • Post-Orgasm Cramping

It is safe to have sex during early pregnancy. However, you may experience stronger cramps after an orgasm.

  • Gas, Constipation, and Bloating

Bloating and constipation are a possibility throughout your pregnancy, and this leads to cramping. In the case of prolonged constipation, contact your doctor.

Cramping as a Danger Sign

In general, the cramping that characterizes the first trimester shouldn’t be more severe than menstrual cramping. If you’re experiencing more severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention.

Possible medical causes of this symptom include:

  • Urinary Tract Infection

The changes in your uterus impact your bladder, and this may lead to complications. Experts say that pregnant women are especially vulnerable to this infection between the 6th and 24th week of pregnancy.

Other symptoms include a burning pain during urination, frequent urination, and signs of blood or mucus in the urine.

  • Ectopic Pregnancy

This is an extremely dangerous condition that comes with sharp abdominal pain. It happens in one out of fifty pregnancies. If your cramping is severe or you feel intense pain for longer than a few minutes, get medical help immediately. Keep in mind that ectopic pregnancies may come with bleeding as well.

  • Miscarriage

Miscarriage usually happens within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. The first 13 weeks are especially dangerous. There are many different reasons why miscarriages happen, and they are fairly common. The likelihood of a pregnancy ending in miscarriage is 10-25%.

Severe back pain is one of the most typical warning signs. You should also look out for more intense bleeding or white mucus. The cramps that come with miscarriage tend to be more severe than menstrual cramps.

When to Contact Your Doctor

If there’s a sudden increase in the severity of your cramping, contact a doctor immediately. You should also take note of any vaginal discharge. Pain in your crotch, or even in your neck and shoulders, can be another warning sign. All of these conditions require immediate medical help.

However, it’s also a good idea to discuss cramping during your regular checkups. In most cases, there is nothing to worry about. But to ease your discomfort, your doctor may recommend paracetamol. If you opt for this painkiller, make sure to stick to the recommended dosage.

Remedies for Cramping Early in Pregnancy – What You Can Do at Home

There are many different ways you can ease the cramps in your abdomen. The basic idea is to relax your muscles and improve your blood flow.

  • You Can Try Shifting Positions

When you stand up, lie down, or change your position, the cramping might subside. It’s a good idea to stay active even in the first months of your pregnancy. Light stretches can help as well.

If your legs are positioned too low, your sitting position can make the cramps stronger. Hence, you should put your feet up whenever possible.

  • Consume a Lot of Fluids

Getting enough to drink will help you prevent constipation. It’s also an important preventive measure against urinary tract infections. Try to drink around eight glasses of water a day during your pregnancy.

To avoid cramping, you should also make sure to urinate often.

  • A Healthy Diet

Make sure to consume enough fibers, as they help you avoid constipation. Vitamin-rich foods can help keep you safe from UTIs.

  • Warm Baths Can Help

Taking a warm bath or shower is one of the best ways to treat cramping early in pregnancy. What you can do is to try and relax your muscles as best you can. Hot bottles are helpful as well.

  • Avoid Tight Clothing

Even if your body hasn’t yet visibly changed, you may need to modify your wardrobe for comfort. Keep to loose-fitting clothes.

  • Appropriate Exercise

It’s a very good idea to look up exercises for the first trimester. Working out improves your circulation and helps the muscles relax. It also helps with cramping because it strengthens your abdominal muscles. What’s more, it can reduce morning sickness, digestive problems, or fatigue.

  • Light Massaging

Massaging your abdomen can help ease the cramps as well.

A Final Word

For most women, cramping is just a natural part of early pregnancy. You shouldn’t ignore it, but there’s usually no need to worry about complications. Cramps are a danger signal only if they’re severe or if they’re accompanied by other symptoms.

There’s a variety of ways you can reduce your cramps. Try to keep safe from UTIs. While some bloating is unavoidable, you can do a lot to avoid constipation and decrease cramping.

Stick to loose clothing and comfortable sitting positions. Whatever you normally do to ease menstrual cramps will work here too, but don’t forget that painkillers can be dangerous. If you’re uncertain about a remedy, consult with your doctor.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/pregnancy-am-i-pregnant#1
http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/urinary-tract-infections-during-pregnancy/
http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/ectopic-pregnancy/
http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/miscarriage/
https://www.parents.com/advice/pregnancy-birth/giving-birth/how-much-water-should-i-drink-during-pregnancy/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321983.php

Health

Black Poop: What Does It Mean and What Should You Do?

Written By: Arch
Arch

You’ve just spent some alone time on the toilet and as you are preparing to wrap up your business, you notice something that takes you aback – black poop. “What does it mean?” and “is this dangerous?” will probably be the first questions you have after the initial shock wears off. Rightfully so, as this issue can (but does not necessarily have to) indicate a potentially serious medical problem.

The Basics About the Color of Your Poop

Everyone knows that the normal color of poop is brown. But what isn’t such common knowledge is that stool can actually come in a few other colors without it indicating a real medical problem. For example, poop with a distinct shade of green can be considered normal in certain cases.

Under the usual circumstances, two factors influence the color of your stool: your diet and the quantity of bile. Bile, produced by your liver, is a fluid that plays a significant part when it comes to the digestion of fats. It is initially greenish or yellowish in color but turns brown as the digestion process takes place.

As a result, if you see a change in the color of your excrement before you flush, you can frequently attribute this to the food you’ve eaten. Some foods have very strong natural colors which can impact the end result of the digestion process. Also, your stomach may have a specific reaction to certain ingredients, and this can also have an effect.

On the other hand, things aren’t always so simple. As you would expect, unusually-colored poop can also be a signal that something is wrong with your digestive system. It can be a red flag warning you of a major problem, but it can also indicate a relatively minor medical issue.

What About Black Poop, Specifically?

As mentioned, it is not all that uncommon to see the occasional change in the hue of your stool. However, black is not one of the colors that you want to see. Having said that, it does not automatically mean that you have a serious medical problem you need to deal with. It just means that it is imperative that you pinpoint the exact cause.

In this respect, there are two possibilities. One is your diet, as already mentioned. Or to be more accurate – what you ingest. This is because in addition to some foods, there are also certain supplements and medications that can produce the same effect. We will cover this in greater detail in just a bit, but it generally should not be a cause for much concern.

The other reason for your stool to turn black is the presence of blood. Specifically, blood from your upper gastrointestinal system. In medical terms, this condition is called “melena”, and it is something that requires you to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Black Poop due to What You’ve Ingested

While black stool can be connected to serious medical issues, the odds are still quite good that it is simply due to something you’ve eaten. Foods such as black licorice, beetroot, or blueberries are known to have this effect on some people. This is even more likely if you’ve had abdominal surgery, such as a colectomy, because it affects how you digest food.

In addition to food, iron supplements are a common cause of black poop. Doctors will frequently prescribe them to combat iron-deficiency anemia, and this is one of the potential side effects.

Finally, a number of medicines can be the reason behind the dark color of your excrement. Probably the likeliest one to encounter is Pepto-Bismol, a popular over-the-counter medication people frequently turn to for help with diarrhea and upset stomach.

If you are positive that it’s the food that’s causing your poop to turn black, then you have nothing to worry about as long as you don’t consume excessive amounts of it. Once it clears your system, your stool will return to normal. Of course, if this condition persists for more than a few days or comes with symptoms such as pain or vomiting, you should seek medical help right away.

If, on the other hand, you can trace it back to a supplement or medication you need to take on a long-term basis, then you should tell your doctor about it. They may adjust your therapy, but it’s still nothing to lose sleep over.

Black Poop due to Blood

If there is bleeding in the upper part of your digestive tract (such as in your stomach or esophagus), that blood can turn your feces black. As already mentioned, the name for this is melena.

Once again, the color alone is insufficient to prove the presence of blood. But if you suspect that might be the case, you need to talk to your doctor and ascertain it for sure. They will either perform an examination on you or give you a kit to collect a stool sample at home (which will then go to a lab for analysis).

If it does turn out to be melena, your doctor will then perform tests to find the precise location of the bleeding and determine its cause. A number of conditions can be at the root of the problem.

The most common one is peptic ulcer disease – that is damage to the lining of your stomach. Usually, it occurs due to a bacterial infection or as a side effect of prolonged use of certain medications.

Melena can also occur due to gastritis, Mallory-Weiss syndrome, esophageal varices, and other conditions. There is no need to explain this in greater depth because you really can’t do anything about it without your doctor.

Whatever the cause behind melena, it is imperative to determine it quickly and start receiving the appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

While it may not be the most pleasant of topics, there is absolutely no reason you should not inquire or talk about your bowel movements from a medical perspective. Therefore, if you’ve noticed black poop, “what does it mean” will likely be the very first thought that enters your mind, and it is a question that deserves a thorough answer. Hopefully, this text has provided you with one.

If food is the reason, then you’re in the clear. But if it is blood, then you need to schedule an appointment with your physician as soon as possible. Either way, it pays to know.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/stool-color/expert-answers/faq-20058080
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-do-different-poop-colors-mean#1
https://www.verywellhealth.com/causes-of-black-stool-1941711

The Medical Problems of Selena Gomez: Lupus Takes Center Stage

Written By: Arch
John

In the music industry, there weren’t many up-and-coming stars who could match the meteoric rise Selena Gomez had been experiencing for several years. Then, starting in 2015, it appeared as though she had decided to slow down. Countless news outlets, being what they are, immediately started up the rumor mill and began to speculate about what it was exactly that had befallen Selena Gomez. Lupus, to their surprise, turned out to be the answer.

It wasn’t drug abuse or some other condition of that nature which provides such fertile ground for rumors and celebrity gossip. Instead, it was a very serious disease, one that the general public may not know enough about. As such, it certainly warrants a closer look.

What Is Lupus?

For the sake of accuracy, the proper name of this condition is systemic lupus erythematosus. But, everyone simply refers to it as lupus, and it belongs to the category of autoimmune diseases. When someone has lupus, what happens is that their immune system, the organism’s shield against disease, begins to erroneously attack their own body.

Healthy tissue and organs come under assault, resulting in inflammation. This can affect various parts of the organism – skin, kidneys, heart, and many other body systems. Because it can manifest in so many different parts of the body, lupus is not an easy disease to diagnose. It does have one rather distinctive sign, a facial rash that many think looks like a butterfly, but that does not appear in every case.

When it comes to the cause of lupus, doctors do not have a definitive answer. The general belief is that it is a mixture of genetic predisposition and elements from one’s environment. And while the exact cause of the illness remains elusive, researchers have been able to pinpoint several risk factors which show who has a higher risk of developing it. They are:

  • Gender

Women have a far greater chance of getting lupus than men. Conservative estimates claim that ratio is 4-to-1, while some go as far as to say that women are 12 times more likely to develop the disease.

  • Descent

Research shows that people of Asian, Hispanic, and African descent are at a greater risk than Caucasians.

  • Age

While lupus can affect a person regardless of their age, most cases occur when the patient is between 15 and 45 years of age.

Symptoms and Treatment

As mentioned, lupus can affect many different parts of your body. As such, it has numerous potential symptoms, and no two cases are completely the same. But, the disease does tend to follow a pattern: there will be an episode when the symptoms, whatever they may be, flare up and become more pronounced, followed by a period of time when they are much less severe (perhaps even unnoticeable).

Among others, those many symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, chest pain, headaches, sensitivity to the sun, neuropsychiatric issues, etc. In situations when the disease takes a turn for the worse, complications can arise and cause very serious, even life-threatening, problems. For example, lupus can do major damage to the kidneys. So much so that when a person suffering from lupus dies, kidney failure is one of the most frequent causes.

Unfortunately, there are many other possible complications, cementing lupus as a disease not to be taken lightly.

Further compounding this sentiment is the fact that there is no cure for it. Even though nobody likes to hear this in the 21st century, but there is still an extensive list of conditions that remain incurable. And lupus is on it.

However, this does not mean no treatment is available. It’s quite the opposite, as a matter of fact. Many different therapies have their place when it comes to managing the symptoms of lupus, and the exact choice will depend on how the disease presents itself. You will frequently see the use of immunosuppressant drugs (to slow down the erratic behavior of the immune system) and corticosteroids (to fight off inflammation), to name but two.

A Closer Look at Selena Gomez’s Struggle with Lupus

The first time the public learned of the young singer’s struggles with this autoimmune disease was in 2015. Previously, Gomez was forced to check into a rehab facility in Arizona due to her condition. Of course, rumors concerning a possible drug problem immediately began to swirl around the internet. But after taking a bit of time to come to terms with her illness, the singer publicly announced the details concerning her health, including how the time in the Arizona facility was spent undergoing chemotherapy.

Unfortunately, this would only mark the beginning of her problems. In 2016, she had to take a break from her music career in order to deal with the panic attacks, episodes of anxiety, and feelings of depression she was experiencing. All of these are side effects of lupus, perhaps lesser-known ones.

Finally, things came to a head in 2017 when she had to get a kidney transplant due to the damage the illness had caused to her organs (known as lupus nephritis). The surgery went well, and Gomez resumed her career shortly afterward.

Lupus Awareness

When celebrities get sick, it tends to attract a lot of media attention. Naturally, this also turned out to be the case with Selena Gomez. Lupus made the headlines as a result, and this has had a very positive effect on raising the awareness of this disease.

In addition, Gomez spoke very openly about her condition, adding to this effect. She also used her fame to help raise significant funds for lupus research. For her efforts, the Lupus Research Alliance honored her during their gala event held in New York in November of 2017.

Final Words

As an incurable and potentially life-threatening disease, lupus represents a momentous challenge to anyone who develops it. Still, several treatment strategies already exist, and further research may open up fresh options in the future.

Selena Gomez is one of many people struggling with its symptoms, but her plight has helped draw attention to this illness. Hopefully, this will add momentum to the search for new insights into this disease.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365790
https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/facts/detailed.html
https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6722634/selena-gomez-rehab-lupus-chemotherapy
https://people.com/celebrity/selena-gomez-taking-a-break-after-lupus-complications/
https://www.thisisinsider.com/selena-gomez-kidney-transplant-instagram-photo-2017-9
https://people.com/music/selena-gomez-calvin-klein-lupus-research-gala/

Antipsychotic Drugs: Can they treat fibromyalgia?

Written By: Alexandra Waller
John

What are Antipsychotic Drugs?

Antipsychotics are used to help control the symptoms of certain mental health conditions, such as psychosis or bipolar disorder. Other conditions include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and depression. In addition to treating mental health conditions, antipsychotics can also be used to help treat severe anxiety and physical conditions including intractable hiccups.

Different Kinds of Antipsychotics

There are two types of antipsychotic drugs, including first generation and second generation antipsychotics. The first generation antipsychotic drugs are older than the second generation antipsychotic drugs. First generation antipsychotics were first developed around the 1950’s and can have different side effects. The second generation antipsychotic drugs are newer and developed around the 1990’s. Second generation antipsychotics are sometimes known as atypicals.

There are several antipsychotics to choose from. The more common antipsychotic drugs are:

  • Amisulpride
  • Aripiprazole
  • Clozapine
  • Olanzapine
  • Paliperidone
  • Quetiapine
  • Risperidone

How do Antipsychotics Work?

Antipsychotic drugs are part of the psychiatric drug group, which can be prescribed to you by your doctor. Basically, they work by increasing or reducing the effect of neurotransmitters in the brain. They can help regulate and bring balance to the brain chemical levels.

The neurotransmitters affected include: dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. However, the main neurotransmitter that is affected by antipsychotics is dopamine. Too much or high levels of dopamine can lead to psychotic experiences. Because neurotransmitters are responsible for transferring information within the brain, it is important to maintain balanced levels. Otherwise, it can lead to symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, agitation, confusion, incoherent speech, or mania. Antipsychotic drugs can help control these symptoms, though they do not cure psychosis.

Warnings

Before taking this medication, inform your doctor of other medications you are using. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns before taking antipsychotic drugs. Let your doctor know if you have had any allergic reactions to this or other medications. Additionally, make sure to tell your doctor if you have any health conditions, including but not limited to:

  • liver disease
  • kidney disease
  • cardiovascular disease (or heart problems)
  • diabetes
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • epilepsy
  • certain blood disorders

In addition to the warnings listed above, there are other warnings. If you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you should avoid taking antipsychotic drugs. However, if you and your doctor believe the overall benefits outweigh the risks, then your doctor may recommend a medication. Also, if you are older than 65 years, your doctor may recommend to avoid taking this medication.

Side Effects

Side effects can vary depending on the drug and the individual. However, there are some serious side effects that can occur, including:

  • antimuscarinic or anticholinergic effects
  • blood disorders
  • heart problems
  • liver problems
  • neuromuscular effects
  • seizures
  • sexual or hormonal problems
  • skin problems
  • tardive psychosis
  • tiredness
  • weight gain

Please note: if you experience any severe side effects that appear to be life threatening, call 911 immediately. Inform your doctor of any side effects you may be experiencing.

In Relation to Fibromyalgia

Atypical Antipsychotics and Fibromyalgia

In addition to mental conditions, such as psychosis and bipolar disorder, certain antipsychotic drugs can also help treat fibromyalgia. Atypical antipsychotic drugs can help treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia, including depression and pain. As previously mentioned, atypical antipsychotic drugs are from the second generation type (newer drugs).

There are a few atypical antipsychotics that have been studied for the treatment of fibromyalgia: oral olanzapine, quetiapine, and ziprasidone. The study portrayed several different results. The outcomes differed from one antipsychotic to another. However, each demonstrated some improvement in patients. We will be looking more closely at one atypical antipsychotic for fibromyalgia treatment: quetiapine.

Quetiapine

Quetiapine is a short-acting antipsychotic drug that can help treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. If combine with other drugs, it can also help treat depression. In addition to these conditions, quetiapine may also help treat symptoms of fibromyalgia. Symptoms can include depression as well as pain. Atypical antipsychotic drugs can help with depression or anxiety in fibromyalgia patients by balancing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

A study shows the effects of quetiapine in fibromyalgia patients, which resulted in unclear benefits. However, there are some other studies surrounding the possible benefits of atypical antipsychotic drugs. Quetiapine can also reduce pain in fibromyalgia patients by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels while reducing sympathetic nervous system functioning.

In Conclusion…

The role of antipsychotics for the treatment of fibromyalgia is unclear. Although there may be several benefits of atypical antipsychotics for fibromyalgia, there are not enough conclusive studies to confidently assert that the medication works to treat pain or depression in fibromyalgia patients. Talk to your doctor about what treatment options may work best for you.

The Case of Angelina Jolie: Double Mastectomy and Breast Cancer Prevention

Written By: Arch
John

To say that Angelina Jolie has made a huge impact not just on Hollywood but the world at large would almost be an understatement. Boasting the image of a “wild child” in the earlier part of her career, this Academy Award-winning actress made a drastic shift some years later when she became extensively involved in numerous humanitarian efforts. This has earned her much recognition the world over, even placing her at the very top of certain lists detailing the most admired people in the world.

Universally considered to be among the most beautiful women in Hollywood, with a successful film career and many philanthropic endeavors, she has certainly managed to leave a prominent mark on modern society. As such, there are many things people immediately associate with the name Angelina Jolie – double mastectomy happens to also be among them.

The reason for this lies in Jolie’s op-ed published by the New York Times on May 14, 2013. In it, the actress made the somewhat shocking revelation that she had undergone this procedure in order to reduce her chances of developing breast cancer. The news instantly made headlines and grabbed the attention of the public, placing this medical issue under the spotlight.

Cancer and Mastectomy – A Quick Overview

Unfortunately, there really is no need to spend a great deal of time talking about cancer seeing as everyone is all too familiar with this horrible illness.

But in essence, it is a term that covers a number of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth and the creation of malignant tumors. The cause is a combination of a person’s genetic makeup and the effects of three types of external carcinogenic agents:

  • Physical (different types of radiation)
  • Chemical (for example, asbestos or certain substances found in tobacco smoke)
  • Biological (such as various infections)

According to the World Health Organization, if you add up the figures for all the different types of cancer, the disease is the second most frequent cause of death on the global scale. It only sits behind heart disease on that grim list.

As far as breast cancer is concerned, the WHO further states that it is the most common type of cancer in the female population. It impacts more than two million women on an annual basis and is also responsible for the greatest portion of cancer-related fatalities that befall this population every year. Specifically, the organization estimates that breast cancer has claimed the lives of more than 600,000 women in 2018 alone.

Finally, the last element we’ll briefly explain is the term mastectomy. Simply put, it is medical jargon for a surgery to remove either one breast or both of them. During the procedure, the surgeon can excise only a portion of the tissue or remove the breast(s) completely.

As you would expect, it is one of the most common ways to treat breast cancer. Additionally, the patient may opt to follow it up with reconstructive surgery (as was the case with Jolie).

Angelina Jolie’s Mastectomy: The Details

A crucial part of the procedure Jolie had undergone is the fact that she did not have breast cancer. As mentioned, she did it in order to reduce the likelihood of getting it. This makes her surgery preventive in nature. Therefore, the full designation of her procedure would be “prophylactic bilateral mastectomy”.

As Jolie explained herself, the reason she decided to undergo such a drastic measure was because she belonged to the “high-risk” category when it came to the odds of developing breast cancer at some point in the future. This began with a family history of cancer.

Most notably, Jolie’s mother, Marcheline Bertrand, suffered from both breast and ovarian cancer and succumbed to the latter in 2007. Also an actress, she was only 56 at the time of her death. This caused Jolie to undergo tests which helped her discover she had a mutation in the BRCA1 gene.

This gene helps suppress the growth of tumors and when it is “faulty”, like it was with Jolie, the risk of getting cancer increases several times over. As she wrote, the doctors estimated that her chances of developing breast cancer were as high as 87%.

These bleak odds had a very profound effect on Angelina Jolie – double mastectomy arose as the best way to combat them. As she put it, the primary motivation to go forward with such a life-changing procedure was the fear that her six children might have to go through an ordeal similar to what she had faced with her own mother.

Therefore, in early February of 2013, Jolie had the first of several surgical procedures which were a part of the mastectomy. In late April of the same year, the final reconstructive surgery took place, signaling a successful end to the whole process.

The Aftermath

When you look at the world we live in and how connected everything is, it seems incredibly difficult to hide anything. For celebrities, it can be almost impossible. With the countless news outlasts, gossip websites, and paparazzi hounding their every step, secrets tend to come out almost immediately. That is why it is all the more surprising that the first anyone’s heard of this was from Jolie herself.

Despite managing to keep the entire procedure private, she decided to reveal such an incredibly intimate detail in order to benefit other women. Her goal was to raise awareness of preventive measures and inspire others to be proactive. And it worked.

Following her announcement, which was met with nothing but praise from the public, the number of genetic tests aimed at discovering the risk of breast cancer saw a noticeable increase. The same beneficial effect applied to other cancer-preventing activities.

In the end, not only did Jolie drastically reduce the odds of getting breast cancer herself (from 87% to below 5%, according to her doctors), but she played a role in helping many other women get ahead of this disease.

Conclusion

By undergoing a double mastectomy, Angelina Jolie made a preemptive strike in her fight against breast cancer. And by sharing her experience with the world, she helped others do the same.

Now, a mastectomy isn’t the only option and there are other treatments available. But what matters the most is dealing with cancer before it does its damage. Those first few steps are crucial.

References:

https://yougov.co.uk/news/2015/01/30/most-admired-2015/
https://yougov.co.uk/news/2016/05/07/wma-2016/
https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/opinion/my-medical-choice.html?_r=2&
http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
http://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/diagnosis-screening/breast-cancer/en/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161214213749.htm
https://breast-cancer-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13058-014-0442-6
https://www.medicinenet.com/angelina_jolie_mastectomy/views.htm

Health

Dementia vs Alzheimer’s – Know the Difference!

Written By: Arch
Arch

Whenever a person gets diagnosed with a serious illness, that is always an immeasurably tragic event both for them and for their friends and family. However, many people find it particularly heartbreaking when they have to see a loved one suffer through a disease that affects their cognitive abilities. In those cases, the patient can lose more than their health – they can lose a part of their personality.

And when it comes to talking about medical conditions which can have such devastating effects on the mind, the two terms you are likely to hear the most often are dementia and Alzheimer’s. As a matter of fact, it is not uncommon to hear people use them interchangeably. And even though there is a strong connection between the two, this is a mistake.

In order to get to the bottom of the “dementia vs Alzheimer’s” issue, it is important to understand some fundamental differences between them. This is an important distinction to make for several reasons, primary among them being the treatment and/or management of the condition.

Dementia vs Alzheimer’s: The Main Difference

As mentioned, dementia and Alzheimer’s are not one and the same. In a way, they are not even in the same category.

The reason for this is that dementia is a much broader term. An umbrella term, if you like. As such, dementia is a designation that covers a host of different symptoms that have a very negative effect on a person’s memory, ability to communicate, and capability to independently carry out everyday activities.

On the other hand, Alzheimer’s is a specific neurodegenerative disease that damages the brain and causes one type of dementia. Not only that, but Alzheimer’s is actually the leading cause of dementia (thereby making it its most common form), responsible for somewhere between 60 and 70% of all cases.

Another way to explain the difference is to say that a person who has Alzheimer’s also has dementia. One type of dementia, to be precise. However, the opposite does not always apply. Therefore, someone suffering the symptoms of dementia may not have Alzheimer’s disease. Their problems can be due to some other cause – and there are, unfortunately, quite a few other conditions that can lead to dementia.

Now, while this should be enough to explain the basic difference between these two terms, it also explains how they are connected. Their symptoms can overlap so it really is not surprising that people often fail to distinguish between the two.

Another element which connects them is their link with age. As you are undoubtedly aware, older people have a much higher risk of developing both Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. However, this does not mean that younger people cannot suffer from these medical conditions. When the patient is under the age of 65, this is called early-onset Alzheimer’s/dementia. But, this does not make either of them a normal part of the aging process.

A Closer Look at Dementia

As mentioned, dementia is not any one particular disease. It is a syndrome encompassing a range of symptoms which hinder a person’s cognitive skills.

Depending on what caused it, different types of dementia exist. To make matters worse, a person can suffer from mixed dementia. As the name implies, this is a situation when there isn’t just one type of dementia present. In most cases, this will be Alzheimer’s disease combined with something else.

While Alzheimer’s dementia is by far the most common, many other conditions can also cause it. For example, a stroke (or several smaller strokes, as is typically the case) can create problems with the brain’s blood supply. Among other issues, this can lead to vascular dementia.

Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases can also be the causes. As can be the presence of Lewy bodies in the brain. Then, there are numerous infections or even prolonged drug abuse. The list of possible causes does not end here, and it is quite extensive.

All in all, the World Health Organization estimates that there are approximately 50 million people in the world coping with dementia.

A Closer Look at Alzheimer’s Disease

Unlike dementia, Alzheimer’s is a specific disease. And it is a bad one. It is a progressive condition which slowly causes brain cells to fail. This is particularly evident with a person’s memory but will spread to other areas as the disease progresses. In later stages, noticeable shrinkage of the brain matter is present.

When it comes to the cause of Alzheimer’s, medicine has still not been able to come up with an answer to that question. There are several theories which propose different explanations, but none have been officially recognized by the medical community at large.

Interestingly, the only way to definitively diagnose Alzheimer’s disease is through an autopsy. However, doctors can identify the condition with a large degree of accuracy. Still, this is yet another aspect which shows that modern medicine does not know nearly enough about this horrible disease.

Symptoms and Treatment

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s can vary quite a lot from person to person. Still, the early ones usually include memory loss (particularly short-term memory), issues with language, problems with decision-making, etc.

As the disease advances, issues with memory and communication become more pronounced, patients have problems with orientation (causing them to wander), and there are mood swings. In the final stages, patients may completely lose the ability to speak, and they will have trouble swallowing and walking.

When dementia is not caused by Alzheimer’s, the symptoms can be somewhat different. Although, there will still be a lot of overlap. For example, those suffering from Lewy body dementia are likely to experience hallucinations. Or, when the reason for dementia is either Parkinson’s or Huntington’s disease, unintentional muscle movement is common in the early stages.

When it comes to treatment, it is important to point out that there is no cure for Alzheimer’s – the disease always leads to death. The best current medicine can do is temporarily alleviate certain symptoms.

For other types of dementia, treatment depends on the underlying cause. Sadly, most cases are also incurable, meaning full recovery is impossible and all you can do is manage some of the symptoms. However, there are a few forms of dementia which are reversible such as the one caused by the deficiency of vitamin B.

Final Words

The terms dementia and Alzheimer’s are often confused. While certainly connected, they are not the same thing. Dementia is a syndrome while Alzheimer’s disease is one of its causes.

Both represent extremely serious medical conditions, which is why knowing the difference is all the more important. Hopefully, you will now be able to make the distinction.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/alzheimers-and-dementia-whats-the-difference/faq-20396861
https://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-disease/difference-dementia-alzheimers
http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia
https://www.kindlycare.com/dementia-vs-alzheimers/

Health

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?

Written By: Arch
Arch

It’s been a long week’s work and you are finally home, eager to put your worries aside and get some well-deserved rest on your clean, comfy bed. Your soft feathery pillow is like a cloud welcoming you to your own piece of heaven.  Yet, in the morning you are laying in smudges of your own blood, and your skin is riddled with aching sores. That’s despite you had the bug screens mounted.

What Are We Dealing With?

So, the bloodsucking bed bugs have invaded your home. The good news is they do not spread diseases, but on the downside getting rid of them is going to be an uphill struggle. These small, flightless insects have a very quick reproductive cycle. Female bed bugs lay up to 500 eggs during their life and the eggs hatch within a week or two.

The size of an adult bug is up to 5mm, and to make things worse they are fast and good at hiding. As nocturnal creatures, they hide in mattress seams and cracks in the floors or walls during the daytime. Never too far away from their prey, during the night they locate warm-blooded creatures by their warmth and the carbon dioxide that they emit.

While their bite can cause allergic reactions, it is not dangerous to your health. The bugs feed regularly and adding insult to injury, after feeding they will leave small spots of red or brown fecal matter on your bed.

Where Do Bed Bugs Come From?

Bed bugs are nature’s hitchhikers and as such a traveler’s nightmare. They can crawl into luggage or clothing and allow you to generously bring them to your home. Once there, they spread quickly. The more one travels, the higher the likelihood of picking up one of these unwanted guests.

They dwell in hotel mattresses and the seats in theaters, taxies, airplanes, coffee shops, and airport lounges. Cleanliness of the area does not matter, and regular cleaning of the sheets and upholstery will not end the infestation. Another way to bring them to your home is via 2nd hand furniture.

While previously thought that their numbers were under control in North America, recently they have had a resurgence. There is no satisfactory explanation for this as of yet, some go as far as to claim that the increase in foreign travel is the culprit. On the other hand, tests have shown that the bed bug population has grown more resistant to pesticides.

How to Detect Them?

If you suspect that these flightless mosquitoes have infested your room, the first thing to look for would be stains on the sheets. Another good indicator of troubles to come is the remains of the skin that bed bugs shed as they grow. In the case of a particularly large infestation, the room can have a distinct odor sometimes described as moldy while others say it has the sweet smell of coriander.

How to Prevent Them?

Prevention is the key. Always use a stand for your luggage while lodging, never leave them on the bed or the floor. Thoroughly inspect your suitcases for the little stowaways. Clean your clothes when you return from a trip and preferably leave them in a hot dryer for at least 30 minutes.

What to do if some of the little critters managed to slip through your defenses? First, do not move your infested furniture! Tempting as it may be, moving an infested mattress to throw it out will only spread the bugs throughout your entire home. At this point, there are no easy solutions left and it’s time to reconsider your strategy.

How to Kill Them?

If you are brave enough, you can try and defend your home by yourself. Conversely, you can call for professional help. Whatever your choice may end up being, know this – it will be a long fight.

Do It Yourself

The DIY approach is a viable option if your infestation is not too severe. An added bonus of this is that it can also be environmentally friendly. However, you will need to be thorough, so it would be wise to get acquainted with the so-called integrated pest management (IPM) system. The idea is to create an all-encompassing strategy in order to reclaim your home from the unwelcomed guests.

1. Decluttering

Prepare your battlefield! This is a war of maneuver and you will need space to effectively apply your countermeasures, as well as to deny for your enemies a safe fallback point. Create space between your furniture, and clear out all unnecessary objects (wooden or metal tables, chairs, etc.).

2. Vacuuming

The opening salvo. Do it thoroughly: mattresses, carpets, furniture, and cracks and crevasses in the floor and on the walls. Try to hit every possible hiding place, the more powerful the vacuum cleaner the better. After vacuuming you should dispose of the bag or the content of the dust container, as you wouldn’t want the bugs to return.

3. Steam Cleaning

The heavy artillery. Use steam cleaners as an immediate follow up after vacuuming. Hit the same target areas again. The hot steam will penetrate deeper into the seams and cracks and hopefully finish off the surviving bugs and their eggs.

4. Laundering and Proofing

Before the ultimate termination of the infestation, daily washing of sheets and pillowcases is mandatory. Also, consider covering your mattresses and installing bed leg protectors to deny any newly hatched bugs access to your bed.

If it’s to succeed, the IPM approach will require daily repetition. Even then, there is a chance that the infestation is too severe to be contained. As a last-ditch effort, you may try purchasing an insecticide for DIY use. Failing to achieve results with that will necessitate calling in reinforcements.

Professional Exterminator

After inspecting your house, pest management professionals (PMP) are likely to put two options before you: heat treatment or insecticide treatment.

In the first one, the infected room is heated up to 145°F (62.7°C), well beyond the maximum temperature the bugs can survive. Whole room heat treatment usually lasts up to 8 hours. In contrast, the insecticide treatment involves spraying the house with chemicals designed to kill bed bugs on contact. Each room may require at least 2-3 treatments at about 2 hours per treatment.

Conclusion

Bed bugs are true globetrotters, patiently waiting to hitch a ride. You can bring them into your home from anywhere: hotels, restaurants, airplanes, trains, cars, you name it. The more you travel, the higher the likelihood of you coming across them, and they do not say goodbye easily. Once you realize your home is invaded, it’s critical to act quickly and prevent the infestation from spreading through your entire house.

References:

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/bed-bugs-resistant-pesticides-study-finds/story?id=46702348
https://www.arrowexterminating.com/blog/bed-bugs-smell/
https://www.bedbugs.umn.edu/homeowners-and-tenants/understanding-treatments
https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/pests/bedbugs.htm
https://www.rentokil.com.sg/blog/bed-bugs-come-first-place/
https://www.rentokil.com.sg/blog/get-rid-bed-bugs-fast/
https://www.orkincanada.ca/bed-bugs/
https://www.orkincanada.ca/bed-bugs/
https://www.orkincanada.ca/bed-bugs/home-remedies/

Health

Wart on Leg – Best Way to Remove

Written By: Arch
Arch

Warts are a skin growth caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is divided into two groups: ones affecting the skin and ones that affect the genitals and respiratory tract. While this may sound frightening, you shouldn’t be alarmed, as most types of HPV are not dangerous. HPV stimulates the growth of skin which results in unappealing and irksome but mostly benign warts.

HPV generally enters your organism via contact with an infected person, or an object handled by one. Poor hygiene, open cuts, and weakened immune system all increase the chances of wart growth. Because of this, warts are more common among children, due to their higher propensity to have physical contact or just touch things.

Wart Types

There are three categories of wart in general.

1. Plantar Warts

Appear on the sole of the foot (or on hands in which case they are called palmar warts). They are fairly common, especially with children, and are characterized by yellow or brown color and small black spots – clotted blood vessels. While they can cause irritation and some minor pain depending on location, contrary to popular belief they are not malignant.

2. Flat Warts

Also known as juvenile warts (once again due to the most common victim), they can be yellow, brown and or pink, round or oval-shaped, and more or less the size of a pinhead. They are smooth (hence the name), painless, and commonly found on a person’s face, legs or hands. Typically, they appear around cut and scratches, and they tend to develop in clusters of 20 to 200. Like the plantar warts, they are not malignant.

3. Genital Warts

Flesh-colored, pink or red genital warts appear in the pubic area, on the genitalia, in the vagina or in or around the anus. They are transmitted through sexual intercourse, and in some cases can cause cervical cancer.

Types of Treatment

First, you should be aware that removal is not necessary, especially when considering the fact that most warts on leg are not dangerous. Warts are temporary skin formations that will probably disappear by themselves. This can happen after a couple of months or within two years. Throughout our lives, most of us will have them at one point or another.

However, due to the contagious nature of HPV, you may opt for removing the wart in order to avoid spreading them across your or someone else’s body. Having said that, you should also be aware that warts can recur even after treatment, so persistence is the key to success. Depending on your circumstances, you may choose to consult the doctor (necessary in the case of genital warts!) or you may elect to combat them by yourself.

Home Remedies for Wart on Leg – Best Way to Remove Warts Naturally

None of these methods are 100% reliable and they are mostly suggested for single warts and not clusters. Most importantly, consult your dermatologist before trying them.

  • Duct tape

Home remedies 101, some people swear by the almighty duct tape. By some accounts, wearing the tape for a week or so and then gently brushing the wart with an emery board should do the trick after a couple of months. In any case, if you have the time, and your doctor approves it, you may well give duct tape a go.

  • Apple cider vinegar

Another home remedy, apple cider vinegar may have better chances of getting the job done, but, know that applying it on the wart may cause chemical burns and lead to scaring.

  • Medical Treatment

Consulting a medical professional is always the best way to go. While the following methods have a much better likelihood of helping you, not even they are always 100% effective.

  • Freezing (Cryotherapy)

Never use ice cubes if you are going to try this at home but only over-the-counter sprays specially designed for it. This can be a painful method because it needs to be applied long term to create blisters on and around the wart, they may become dead cells and fall off. There is also a chance that the spray may not reach deep enough to be successful. A better option would be to go to your doctor who has access to liquid nitrogen and can use it to much better effect.

  • Salicylic Acid

Another over-the-counter wart treatment, it comes in the form of gel, ointment, and patches. The acid dissolves the wart over the course of several weeks, enabling you to peel it off one layer at a time. A downside of this method is it has to be applied regularly and may sting a little.

  • Cantharidin

This method resembles cryotherapy in so much that your doctor applies a chemical derived from blister beetles on your skin in order to form blisters that will in time separate the wart from the skin. Like cryotherapy, it can be painful and also in some cases cause scarring.

  • Medications

They can be directly injected into the wart in order to kill the virus (bleomycin) or applied on the wart (imiquimod) in the form of ointment to bolster your immune system and fight off the HPV.

  • Minor Surgery

Last ditch effort when all other therapies have failed. Wart is either removed by laser surgery that burns the wart tissue or physically removed and has its base destroyed by way of an electric needle or cryotherapy.

Prevention

The best way to combat an ailment is to avoid getting it in the first place. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as it sounds. In the case of warts, the lion’s share of prevention falls on the already affected. In order to protect others and yourself from spreading the HPV further you must do the following:

  • As stated above, refrain from physical contact with others and objects that they may use.
  • Avoid scratching and picking at warts, as that only increases the likelihood of spreading them across your body.
  • If the wart on your leg is in an exposed area, consider putting a bandage over it.
  • Always wash your hands after touching a wart.

Conclusion

While any types of wart on leg can be a nuisance, they are not dangerous and no threat to your health. If you wish to remove them, you should start with some non-invasive procedures like gels and ointments. If they prove ineffective then you can consider other options.

Resources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/papillomaviridae
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-warts/symptoms-causes/syc-20352691
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/plantar-warts-palmar-warts#2
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321355.php
https://www.aad.org/public/kids/skin/warts/how-to-get-rid-of-warts
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/warts#1

What Causes Night Sweats? How to Stop Having Them?

Written By: Arch
John

You are not sick, you don’t owe money to anyone, you paid your taxes, you don’t cheat on your spouse… but for some reason it’s the middle of winter and your bed is so drenched in sweat you can almost float! Maybe it’s just because you accidentally left the thermostat too high. Or could it be a medical condition?

What Are Night Sweats?

Night sweats are a fairly common occurrence that according to one study ails one-third of primary care patients. The Mayo Clinic defined it frequent episodes of extreme perspiration, caused by an underlying medical condition, which may soak your bedding and clothes at night.

This is important to know because soaking your sheets every once in a while on nights that you use three blankets isn’t a reason to see a doctor. In some cases, night sweats can be an indicator of a more serious ailment. Which is all the more troublesome because the majority of the affected do not seek medical help.

In conjunction with night sweats, you will often encounter heat flashes. While similar, these conditions are not equal, but more on that later.

What Causes Night Sweats?

How to stop having them? First things first. Essentially night sweats are a symptom of another condition. Sweating is the body’s reaction to an increase in core temperature that strays above the thermoneutral zone (an equilibrium condition in mammals when heat production is at the same rate as heat dissipation). This would trigger a metabolic response to get back to the thermoneutral zone – in this case, sweating.

The culprits of sweating at night can be anything from too many blankets to inflammatory processes caused by an infection. Night sweats can also be a side effect of medications that induce the sweat glands to produce more sweat, such as:

  • Depression medication – all types of antidepressants can cause night sweats, including tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, venlafaxine, and bupropion.
  • Diabetic medication – such as metformin used for type 2.
  • Hormone – blocking drugs for certain types of cancer – such as tamoxifen used to treat breast cancer.

Medical conditions connected to night sweats are numerous. To name just a few:

  • Anxiety disorder – in an overly stressed body, active stress response will hyper-stimulate the glands and lead to excessive sweating.
  • Autoimmune disorder – the body falsely identifies healthy cells as intruders and raises the temperature to eliminate the threat. Common in rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, etc.
  • Drug addiction or withdrawal – self-explanatory.
  • Tuberculosis – the most common infection that causes night sweats.
  • Cancers – night sweats can be an early symptom of some types of cancer, most commonly lymphoma but also leukemia.
  • Hypoglycemia – overly low blood sugar levels can cause night sweating.
  • Neurological conditions – while not as common, strokes, autonomic dysreflexia, posttraumatic syringomyelia, and autonomic neuropathy have been known to cause night sweats.
  • Sleep apnea – night sweats can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.

What Can You Do About Them?

If the night sweats are regular, waking you up, and accompanied by fever, loss of weight, localized pain, diarrhea, etc., you should consult a doctor. In most cases, preventing night sweats means treating the underlying condition, thus there is no one particular cure for it.

Here are some of the more general solutions. You can get a prescription for a specialized antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride. This antiperspirant ingredient is much stronger than those found in over-the-counter antiperspirants.

In desperation, some always look to find the answer in drugs. In which case, anticholinergic drug may prevent sweating after two weeks of consumption but at the price of possible constipation and dizziness.

Another option is a process called Iontophoresis. It involves zapping your body with low-current electricity while submerged in water to temporarily block your sweat glands. Not one for the faint of heart. Another scary option is to remove the sweat glands in your armpits via surgery. Alternatively, you could just have the nerves that carry messages to your glands severed.

To threat night sweats, you can seek advice from your family doctor, an internist, or a gynecologist. Depending on the underlying cause, you may find yourself visiting another specialist like a neurologist, endocrinologist, or in some cases oncologist.

Women and Night Sweats

Women often suffer from night sweats due to hormonal changes brought on by perimenopause and menopause. This is also when hot flashes kick in. Hot flashes are sudden rushes of body heat that can occur day or night. They are directly connected with perimenopause. While this cannot be stopped, its effects can be diminished.

By exercising during daytime hours, you can decrease stress and induce relaxing sleep. Going to bed in loose clothing helps one to stay cool during the night. Weight loss can also lower the likelihood of frequent sweating.

Some of the triggers that you might want to avoid in order to minimize the effects of both night sweats and hot flashes are:

  • Smoking actively and passively
  • Alcohol and caffeine
  • Tight clothing
  • Eating spicy food
  • Stressful situations
  • Tick blankets

The opinions are mixed about the effectiveness of reducing sweating episodes through diet. In some cases, adding natural foods and supplements to one’s diet has shown results in the long run. While not scientifically proven, adding soya beans, tofu, and tempeh or miso to your diet could help reduce episodes of hot flashes. As always, it is best to consult your doctor first, as some of these food items can have side effects and interact with other medication.

Conclusion

As unpleasant as it may be, there is a greater purpose to waking up in a soaked bed. Your body is trying to send you a message. There might be something wrong with you, or perhaps you just don’t need that comforter.

Seeking a way to stop the night sweats may inadvertently help you to solve a more pressing medical issue. An issue that without the night sweats you wouldn’t even know that you have. So, consult your doctor and learn the true nature of your ailment. Take the necessary steps and adapt your daily routine to the new situation.

References

https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19528882/truth-about-night-sweats/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/night-sweats/basics/definition/sym-20050768
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/night-sweats/basics/causes/sym-20050768
https://www.medicinenet.com/night_sweats/article.htm#which_types_of_doctors_treat_night_sweats
https://www.webmd.com/menopause/features/menopause-sweating-11#3

Health

Don’t Get Cold Feet, Fight Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Written By: Arch
Arch

In 1862, French physician Maurice Raynaud discovered a medical condition which causes spasms (sudden constrictions) of the blood vessels that result in lower blood flow to the extremities. This would lead to numbness and cold feeling in your fingers, toes, and sometimes nose, lips, and ears. The causes of Raynaud’s disease continue to puzzle the medical community to this day.

The most common cause of the disease is believed to be a reaction, or rather an overreaction to cold, but stress and anxiety are also suspected triggers. The data shows that women have a higher likelihood of having Raynaud’s disease.

In most cases, the disease is not dangerous. However, occasionally it can lead to dire consequences.

Symptoms

Cold fingers or toes is the most obvious symptom of Raynaud’s disease. However, keep in mind that everyone can occasionally experience that. In an effort to retain heat, the body would redirect blood away from the skin. Although this is a normal reaction of healthy people, those with Raynaud’s disease experience this more severely, and it is often followed by other symptoms which include:

  • Changing color of the digits caused by cold or stress;
  • Numbness and pain in the affected area;
  • Swelling and tingling sensation.

In the first stages of the attack, the affected areas begin turning white. This is followed by the skin turning blue and the fingers or toes becoming cold and numb. These symptoms can last up to 2 hours. If the cause is exposure to cold, warming the affected area of your body will alleviate the condition. On the other hand, if it is a stress-induced attack, distance yourself from the source of frustration and do your best to relax.

Types

There are two main types of Raynaud’s:

  1. Primary Raynaud’s – is the most common type. In most cases, people don’t have to seek treatment for it because of its mild effects. It is not connected to any other medical condition.
  2. Secondary Raynaud’s – also known as Raynaud’s phenomenon, is the less common but more serious type of the disease. It is always accompanied by an associated medical condition.

Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Microscopic examination of the skin is the only way to positively identify the type of Raynaud’s. Deformities of the skin or enlarged capillaries indicate the second Raynaud’s. If that’s the case, further blood tests will need to be conducted to diagnose the exact accompanying condition.

Unfortunately, there is not a single, all-encompassing blood test. To diagnose the underlying disease, doctors will usually have to perform several different tests. Some of the diseases that can cause Raynaud’s phenomenon are:

  • Connective tissue disorder: Raynaud’s can be induced by diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome.
  • Diseases of the arteries: Buerger’s disease – inflammation of the blood vessels in feet and hands; atherosclerosis – accumulation of plaques in the arteries that feed the heart; primary pulmonary hypertension – high blood pressure that affects the arteries of the lungs.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve as it travels through the wrist, which results in numbness and tingling which make the hand more sensitive to cold weather.
  • Injuries: Fractures, frostbites, injuries caused by repetitive actions like wielding vibrating tools.
  • Medication: Drugs that cause a narrowing of the blood vessels, such as the ones for cold relieve, and beta blockers prescribed for high blood pressure.

Spasms of the vascular system can become so frequent that the lack of oxygen would create bruising of the tissue. Occasionally, this can even lead to an infection of the fingers or toes and sometimes gangrene.

Treatment

Keeping the extremities warm and out of harm’s way is the first measure. For more serious symptoms, medications are necessary. Their primary function is to widen the blood vessel and thus enhance circulation. They can also reduce the frequency of attacks, protect the tissue from damage, and treat the accompanying diseases.

In the worst-case scenario, more invasive treatments will be necessary. Surgery may help to reduce the severity of attacks. Small incisions on the sympathetic nerves in the affected areas can help regulate the opening and narrowing of the blood vessels. Another option is a chemical injection that has a similar function.

Alternatively, for patients with less serious symptoms, there are home remedies that may bolster your circulation. The effectiveness of these methods is questionable, so the results may vary. Before you decide to go down this road, you may want to consult your doctor. Some of the home cures available to you are:

  • Fish oil – improves tolerance to cold;
  • Ginkgo – reduces the frequency of attacks;
  • Acupuncture – improves circulation;
  • Biofeedback – relaxation exercises and controlling body temperature through the will of the mind.

Lifestyle

You can take several actions that may decrease the severity and frequency of the attacks. It is highly recommended to exercise regularly in order to improve circulation and to avoid stressful situations. Smoking should be avoided because it is known to constrict the blood vessels which can cause an attack. Also, you should avoid drinking too much coffee and energy drinks.

To minimize the chances of provoking an attack episode, you should also consider the following:

  • Minimize walking barefoot;
  • Maintain adequate room temperature;
  • Avoid tightfitting footwear, jewelry, and clothes that may compress the blood vessels;
  • Even wearing cotton gloves while emptying the refrigerator can be helpful.

Conclusion

While not deadly, Raynaud’s phenomenon can affect the quality of your life, but there are ways to prevent or lessen that. Be vigilant, watch for the early symptoms of the disease like cold and numb digits that can swell and change color.

If you happen to have it, be persistent. Follow your doctor’s advice. Apply the prescribed medication and make the necessary changes to your lifestyle. Sometimes even home remedies can be helpful. Do not give up and you will be able to control the disease.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/raynauds-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20363571
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/raynauds-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20363572
https://www.medicinenet.com/raynauds_phenomenon/article.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Raynaud

Health

How Do You Get Ringworm?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Annoying rashes have developed on your skin and refuse to go away. A couple of days later you are told that they aren’t any ordinary rashes. What you have is ringworm! Don’t worry, you have not been impregnated by aliens, nor will you become a mutant with superpowers. Ringworm is a common thing and it has nothing to do with worms.

What Is Ringworm

Ringworm, also known as tinea, is a fungal infection that develops on the top of your skin. It got its name from its vaguely circular shape reminiscent of a wavy worm. The exact shape of the rash varies depending on its location on your body. Most commonly it has an oval-shaped ring with slightly raised borders. Sometimes the interior of the ring can be clear, while other times it is crisscrossed with red bumps.

Although a nuisance, ringworm is not dangerous, and normally goes away with proper treatment, say within a couple of weeks. If left unchecked, however, they can get infected which bacteria and require antibiotics.

How Do You Get Ringworm

Ringworm is caused by fungal parasites that live on the skin’s outer cells. It is a contagious disease.

The infection targets both humans and animals alike, and it spreads by direct contact with the infected. It can also spread via objects used by the infected. In some rare cases, it can also spread in the soil.

Because of the fact that the infection targets both humans and household animals, it is very difficult to prevent it from spreading. Thus, children are particularly liable to be infected. On top of this, ringworm also enjoys narrow stretches of sweaty areas, so athletes and obese persons are also likely victims. A successful prevention requires education of children and adults, be it infected or not.

If you are infected, you should avoid contact with others. Also, you have to resist the urge to touch and scratch the rashes as it will only spread them further across your body. You should avoid sharing with others objects that you have touched, such as footwear or clothes. Children should be told to avoid contact with unknown persons or animals as much as possible.

Types

There are several different types of fungal skin infections that belong to the tinea family. While similar in appearance, they are differentiated by the location and the shape of the rash. The most common is ringworm of the body, ringworm of the scalp, athlete’s foot, and jock itch.

Ringworm of the Body

Also known as tinea corporis, it is recognizable for the red rings that form on top of the skin, from which the common name of the ailment is derived. Sometimes it can form several rings overlapping each other.

Initially, it only forms a flat red patch on your skin. But as time progresses, the borders of the patch begin to slightly rise up to form a ring. This type of ringworm can infect humans, dogs, cats, and cows. It can spread by contact with the objects touched by the infected as well.

To minimize the chances of catching the infection, several steps should be undertaken as follows:

  • Wash hands regularly and keep the places you share with others clean (school, gym, or work).
  • Avoid contact with animals missing part of their coat of fur.
  • Minimize sweating by dressing according to the weather.
  • Don’t lend or borrow personal items.

Treating ringworm of the body is not difficult. In case over-the-counter treatments don’t work, prescription-strength anti-fungus medication will usually do the trick. In more severe cases, doctors would prescribe antifungal pills. Ringworm of the body particularly targets people with a weakened immune system, so people with HIV/AIDS may find it difficult to avoid or get rid of.

Ringworm of the Scalp

This type of ringworm is caused by several varieties of the fungi called Dermatophytes. It also affects the skin’s outer layers. Like that of the body, this ringworm is also highly contagious and takes the form of bald patches on the head. This infection mostly targets toddlers and school-age children.

The usual treatment for ringworm of the scalp is medication taken by mouth to kill the fungi, such as griseofulvin (Gris-Pen) and terbinafine (Lamisil). This treatment may have to be taken regularly for up to six weeks. In conjunction with the prescription, medical shampoos should be used to remove the spores and prevent further spread of infection across the body.

Athlete’s Foot

Also known as tinea pedis, athlete’s foot develops in between toes. It takes the shape of a scaly red rash that can develop blisters or ulcers. The moccasin variety of athlete’s foot causes dryness and scaling of the soles which slowly spreads to the sides of the foot. Because of its appearance, it can be mistaken for eczema.

The prevention of athlete’s foot primarily demands taking care of your feet: Keeping them dry, changing socks twice a day, wearing light well-ventilated shoes, and more. It is advisable to either avoid swimming pools and public showers or to wear your personal water or shower shoes if you have to use them.

The infection can be diagnosed via observation, or in more complicated cases by taking samples of the affected skin for microscopic examination or more comprehensive laboratory tests. Depending on the severity of the infection, the treatment can be over-the-counter antifungal ointments, lotions, or powders. Or, in more serious cases antifungal pills.

Jock itch

Also known as tinea cruris, jock itch attacks the skin of the genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks. This type of infection is common in people who sweat a lot and those who are overweight. While it is inconvenient, it is not serious. By keeping the area dry and clean, restraining yourself from scratching it and applying prescribed medication, the infection is likely to go away relatively quickly.

Jocks itch also spreads by contact. Very often it occurs as an extension of athlete’s foot for using the same towel. Men are more likely to get this type of ringworm, especially teenagers and young adults. As with the previous type, tight clothes, heavy sweating, a weak immune system, and diabetes increase the likelihood of catching the infection.

Also similar is the treatment, which is made up of mostly over-the-counter vitamins, powders, sprays, or antifungal pills (for the severe cases). To prevent the infection, it is recommended to keep the groin area dry, wearing clean clothes that are not too tight, and refrain from sharing personal items.

Conclusion

How do you get ringworm? A concise answer would be a mixture of bad luck, bad personal hygiene, and bad fashion choices (at least for your health). None of those things are set in stone, and with time and wise decisions, you can easily defeat the ringworm infection.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-body/symptoms-causes/syc-20353780
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-body/symptoms-causes/syc-20353780
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/athletes-foot/symptoms-causes/syc-20353841
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/jock-itch/symptoms-causes/syc-20353807

What Does Herpes Look Like and What Is It Exactly?

Written By: Arch
John

Should a person notice blisters or ulcers on their body, particularly around the mouth or on their genital area, one of the first questions that is likely to pop into their mind would be, “what does herpes look like?” And unfortunately, this question is often well founded as herpes is a rather common medical condition.

To be precise, it is a viral disease and the cause is the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Furthermore, there are two distinct types of the virus – HSV-1 (type 1) and HSV-2 (type 2). Type 1 is usually (but not always) associated with mouth infections, whereas type 2 tends to be the cause behind genital infections.

We already mentioned that herpes was very widespread. Unsurprisingly, this holds true for both types of the virus. However, what may come as a bit of a surprise is just how common these infections actually are. According to the World Health Organization, around 67% of the global population below the age of 50 is suffering from an HSV-1 infection. When it comes to HSV-2, the situation is not as drastic but is still enough to cause major concern – approximately 11% of all people between the ages of 15 and 49 have it.

Symptoms

Even without any research, many people would be able to recognize the “classic” symptoms of herpes – blisters, sores, and ulcers that eventually turn to scabs during the healing process. But once you look at the figures from the previous paragraph, you may wonder why you aren’t seeing people with those signs on an everyday basis.

Well, the reason is quite simple – most people who have herpes exhibit very mild physical symptoms or even none at all. For this reason, it is possible to confuse herpes with something as mundane as an insect bite, an ingrown hair, or even a pimple. However, this is actually a double-edged sword.

On the one hand, this is good news for the countless people who have it as it means the infection will likely not cause serious problems. Or even noticeable problems. Simply put, if a disease is so mild you’re not even sure you have it, it’s clearly not the worst thing that could have befallen you.

But on the other hand, this is also one of the main reasons why the illness is so widespread. Herpes gets transmitted through contact with a person who is infected (and for HSV-1, the contact does not need to be sexual in nature) – if someone is not aware they are carrying the virus, it is less likely they’ll take the measures necessary to reduce the odds of spreading it.

And while many will avoid any serious issues, that is not always the case. Therefore, it is possible to unknowingly spread the virus to someone who will feel the brunt of it. Even the milder symptoms can be very uncomfortable, and there is always the chance of complications arising.

While the general symptoms of herpes are relatively similar, they can vary according to the part of the body that gets infected. This is also how medical experts categorize those infections. We will now cover the two most well-known types.

Oral Herpes

When the herpes simplex virus primarily affects the lip area, you are dealing with oral herpes. Another very popular name for this infection is cold sores. As you can guess from the name, sores and blisters are the primary symptoms of this illness.

Before these lesions, the skin will usually be itchy and reddish. Then, small blisters will appear, usually grouped together. After a while, they will break open and create a large sore. After that, the area will crust over and begin to heal. Two to four weeks, the symptoms should pass.

These are the telltale symptoms of oral herpes, but they will differ from person to person, as already mentioned. This infection can be an extremely painful experience for some, while others may not even notice it. Also, the symptoms are the most common around the lips, but they can also affect the broader area of the face.

Typically, HSV-1 is the cause of oral herpes, although it is also possible to get it from HSV-2. Type 1 herpes simplex virus does not require sexual contact in order to spread, and that is not how people usually get infected. As a matter of fact, most contract it during childhood – it can be from something as simple as getting a kiss from a relative.

Genital Herpes

Unlike its oral counterpart, genital herpes does normally require sexual contact in order to be transmitted. This gives it the classification of a sexually transmitted disease, and it is among the most common ones.

HSV-2 is the usual culprit, although genital herpes brought about by an HSV-1 infection is an increasingly common occurrence. Furthermore, women are more likely to contract the disease than men.

Just like with oral herpes, symptoms will not always appear. When they do, it typically starts with small blisters which rupture after a while. This creates ulcers, which can be very painful. Scabs will follow, and it should, once again, take between two and four weeks for the lesions to heal. Usually appearing around the genital area, the sores can also develop on the thighs and buttocks.

Treatment

The most difficult thing to come to terms with for the people who have herpes is the fact that there is no cure. Once you get infected, it is a lifelong condition. For those who are asymptomatic, this is less of an issue (although they can still infect others). But for people who do exhibit symptoms, this makes the illness a recurring problem.

There are periods when herpes is active and periods when it remains dormant, and the illness will cycle between the two. The first time you show signs of the disease is usually the hardest part, with the symptoms being the most pronounced. After that, subsequent episodes will diminish in severity. They also become less frequent with age.

Finally, while it is not possible to cure herpes, you can manage the symptoms with antiviral drugs.

Conclusion

“What does herpes look like?” is a common question, particularly among people who have had numerous partners. Blisters and ulcers are the typical signs, but there is a lot more to this disease, as you have seen.

Incurable and widespread, it is a problem which affects many. Fortunately, the symptoms are usually mild. Nonetheless, it pays to take precautions and it might be a good idea to get tested even if you’re not showing the signs.

References:

http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20371017
http://www.ashasexualhealth.org/stdsstis/herpes/oral-herpes/
https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/STDFact-Herpes-detailed.htm

Fibromyalgia Treating is Now a Part of RedOrbit.com

Written By: John
John

You may notice some changes to the website, so let us tell you how excited we are to announce that FibromyalgiaTreating.com is now part of RedOrbit.com.

We have all of the same great people, writers, and editors but now with more firepower. We now have access to an enormous amount of additional research information from doctors and scientists. We are here for you and now, better than ever so sit back and enjoy the new Fibromyalgia Treating by RedOrbit!

You can access all of our Fibromyalgia content here!

Health

What’s Your Zip Code – Laser Hair Removal Pricing According to Region

Written By: Arch
Arch

Are you tired of shaving? Or maybe you have a profusion of hair in an area you wish you didn’t? Whether for practicality or aesthetics, laser hair removal may be the solution for you.

But what about laser hair removal pricing? Will you have to take out a second mortgage on your home? Or dip into your children’s college fund?

Believe it or not, it’s not as expensive as you might think. And with the laser removal pricing so low, the only thing left is to decide which areas you want to do first. So keep reading to find out how much this process may cost in your region.

Laser Hair Removal Pricing – An Overview

Laser hair removal involves highly concentrated light penetrating the hair follicles to remove hair. It’s non-invasive, but it does work by damaging the hair follicle to the point that it inhibits growth.

In addition, laser hair removal generally slows hair growth. But it may not remove hair completely. So you may need repeated sessions for maintenance, even after the treatment.

Permanently removing unwanted hair may be a dream come true. But the actual price depends on a variety of factors. They may include:

  • Area treated
  • Type of procedure
  • Qualifications and expertise
  • Effort needed for treatment
  • Office location

Pricing Per Region

According to 2017 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of laser hair removal is approximately $293. But with the rise in popularity of at-home treatments, this price has fluctuated depending on availability.

Curious about how much laser hair removal pricing varies? Check out what pricing looks like around the country. Keep in mind, however, that you may rarely find places that post prices. Hair removal centers prefer to give quotes and estimates depending on a consultation rather than flat pricing.

Northeast

Southwest

West

Southeast

Midwest

Does Insurance Cover Hair Removal?

Usually, pricing includes the actual cost of the procedure as well as medication prescriptions. However, most health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery or possible complications from it.

Fortunately, many plastic surgeons offer financing. So, make sure to ask the plastic surgeon’s office about it if you can’t pay for the procedure at once.

How Many Treatments Does It Take?

Hair grows in cycles. So if you’re hoping for one magical treatment, you may be in for a surprise. Count on multiple sessions for optimal results. The exact number depends on who you speak with and your own hair growth, but expect at least 4-8 sessions.

The laser removal session also needs to be spaced approximately 3-6 weeks apart. Why? Because your hair follicles have different growth cycles. But you can expect to see noticeable results after 2 or 3 sessions.

Dark or Light Hair – Is There a Difference in Results?

Lasers affect the pigment of the hair follicles. Because darker hair has higher pigmentation, it responds better to laser removal than light hair. But that doesn’t immediately rule out anyone with white or blonde hair.

Many centers are equipped with lasers that can get good results for lighter hair, too.

Possible Side Effects – Does It Hurt?

If you are hesitating about getting this treatment because you think it may hurt. Don’t worry. In sensitive areas, you may feel a quick, sharp pain. But it isn’t unbearable.

When the treatment is done, you may also experience mild side effects like:

  • Swelling
  • Slight redness
  • Pigment changes (darker skin)
  • Temporary skin irritation

You can alleviate skin irritation by using an ice pack or cold compress after a treatment. Or speak with your technician about changing the laser type to avoid these side effects altogether.

Choosing a Laser Practitioner

You may be tempted to use that group discount coupon you saw on social media. But don’t shop for bargain treatments. At least, don’t accept any offer without doing your homework.

Unfortunately, regulations vary when it comes to laser hair removal. But the wrong one can cause lasting damage like scarring, burning, and pigment changes. Instead, look for practitioners who are:

  • Board-certified physicians
  • Experienced and educated with using lasers

Along with reading reviews, try looking for centers that have practitioners who are members of the American Society for Lasers and Medicine in Surgery (ASLMS) or similar organizations.

Final Thought

Making the decision to go with laser hair removal is a big step. But you may be concerned about the price. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer when it comes to that.

Exact treatment prices depend on many factors, including treatment area, practitioner expertise, and the work involved in the treatment. You may also find that pricing may differ depending on what part of the country you live in.

Lastly, carefully research the center and practitioner before agreeing to any treatment. You may find that you’d rather pay more for an experienced and qualified practitioner than one who happens to offer a coupon.

References:

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/laser-hair-removal
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/laser-hair-removal/cost
https://www.satorilaser.com/
https://mainelaserclinic.com/services/laser-hair-removal/
http://www.lagunahr.com/laser-hair-removal-prices/
https://clearstonespa.com/our-pricing/
http://laserlightsc.com/index.php/laser-hair-removal/
https://www.oregonlasernwellness.com/laser-hair-removal
http://www.citylaserclinic.com/pricing/
https://www.simplicitylaser.com/collections/starter-packages
http://www.nashvilleskincompany.com/lasertreatments
http://www.bluewaterspa.com/laser-hair-removal-pricing.html
https://www.drkavali.com/laser-hair-removal
http://www.skincarekc.com/Kansas_City_Laser_Hair_Remo.html
https://www.skinandvein.com/pro_laserhairremoval.html
https://feelinggoodmatters.com/pricing/#laser-hair-removal
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/10-things-to-know-about-permanent-hair-removal

Health

Do You Have a Wart on Finger – Best Way to Remove It May Be in Your Kitchen

Written By: Arch

Do you have a wart on your finger? No matter how much you try to hide it, you know it’s there. And you may be conscious of it when you’re around other people. Wondering if they see it, too.

Warts can also be uncomfortable or painful, depending on where it’s located. And it may be for more than cosmetic reasons that you want it gone. It may get in the way when you hold things, or use your hands for a variety of activities.

The good news is that you don’t have to live with it. Searching for cures for “wart on finger – best way to remove” may yield you many results. But you can check out a summary of the best ones below.

What Is a Wart?

Contrary to old folktales, you don’t get warts from handling frogs. The reality is far less fanciful.

Warts form when a virus comes into contact with the skin and gets inside to cause an infection. They are likely to form if the virus can get under the skin through a scratch or cut. Certain people may be more prone to developing warts than others. And children are particularly susceptible to getting warts.

Spreading Warts

Unfortunately, warts are contagious. This means that you can spread them to other people. And you can spread it to other parts of your own body.

Warts can spread from person to person if touched. Or come into contact with things that touch the wart. So, holding hands with someone who has a wart on the finger is a possible way to pass a wart on.

Additionally, handling towels or other clothing may also spread warts if your wart comes into contact with it.

Spreading warts to other parts of your body is also a possibility. Especially if your wart is on your finger because you may accidentally touch it to your body without realizing it. Washing your hands frequently and avoiding picking at it may limit your chances.

Wart On Finger – Best Way to Remove It

The first step in treating your wart is knowing which type you have. Here are the most common types for the finger and hand:

  • Common Warts

These warts are exactly what they sound like. They’re common, and most likely to appear on fingers and hands. The size range can vary from tiny poppy seed-sized all the way up to pea-sized.

In addition, they are hard to the touch and may have a scaly, rough texture. Color-wise they can also vary from flesh-toned to grey, pink, white, or tan.

You may also see tiny black dots in your wart. Don’t panic. Those are simply tiny clotted blood vessels.

  • Butcher’s Warts

Appearance-wise they look like common warts. However, in the past, they used to be found on people who handled raw fish and meat without gloves. That’s how it got the name.

  • Flat Warts

This type of wart is more commonly found on the face. But it’s known to make an appearance on the back of hands, too.

They are very tiny, but can appear in clusters. The clusters look like a bunch of tiny pinheads, but they’re smooth if you touch them. They also have a flat top and are raised slightly. The colors range from pink to flesh-toned.

  • Periungual and Subungual Warts

Commonly found around and under fingernails, both start off tiny. But they grow and spread, eventually forming clusters. This type of wart may be more likely to occur for you if you bite your nails or hangnails.

If you think you may have these types of warts, it’s best if you consult with your doctor first.

Treatment Options

There are different ways to remove warts from your hands and fingers. Sometimes they go away on their own without treatment. But you may not want to wait the months or years for that to happen.

Some at-home remedies you can try include:

  • Salicylic Acid

If you have common warts, you can use an at-home treatment. Try a topical salicylic acid treatment. It may be available as a concentrated liquid, adhesive pad, or gel. You may also find it available in different strengths.

Before using it, it’s best to consult with your doctor. Find out the strength and type of salicylic acid you should use first.

  • Duct Tape

Believe it or not, duct tape may be a viable option of removing warts. It may help because the adhesive removes the wart slowly over the course of several weeks. You may take off a layer of the wart with each time you change the dressing.

  • Apple Cider Vinegar

In addition, you can also try an apple cider vinegar treatment. It’s a mild acid. So it may help burn off the wart as well as attack the virus causing it.

  • Lemon Juice

Furthermore, you can also try lemon juice if you don’t have apple cider vinegar on-hand. It works in a similar way. But remember to dilute the juice before using it on your wart.

  • Clear Nail Polish

Smother your wart with nail polish? Some people swear this works because it may choke off the wart. If you do this, however, remember the contagion factor and mark the bottle clearly. You wouldn’t want someone else in your household to use it.

  • Liquid Butane Spray

If you like the idea of freezing off your wart but don’t want to go to the doctor’s office, this may be a solution. This over-the-counter option can be painful, though. So you may want to use it with caution.

Final Thought

Doing an internet search for a wart remedy can yield a lot of results for people hoping for a do-it-yourself option. But the further off the ranch you go, medically speaking, the less likely it is you will find a legitimate study to validate some of these techniques.  We searched for techniques with some anecdotal backing to them and ones that were not dangerous to try, although you may have to try many remedies before you find the right one for you. (Having said this, as unlikely as it sounds, at least one clinical study shows that duct tape really works. So, you might want to start with that one.)

Remember though, as you try a new at-home remedy, you can still spread warts. So be careful about what you touch and wash your hands often. The last thing you want to do is give it to a loved one, or spread it to other parts of your body.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/warts-faq-questions-answers#1
https://www.healthline.com/health/removing-wart-on-finger#the-takeaway

Health

Home Remedies for Pink Eye – The Do’s and Don’ts of Conjunctivitis

Written By: Arch

Did you ever wake up with red or itchy eyes? Most common among children, these symptoms may be because of the notorious condition called “pink eye.”

Pink eye is extremely common and, most of the time, it isn’t serious. But it can be highly contagious and it can become serious. Seek care quickly if you have redness in your eyes and you don’t know the cause or suspect you have pink eye.

That said, be careful of diagnosing pink eye by yourself. There are many conditions and circumstances that can cause redness in your eyes. People often guess they have pink eye when some other irritation maybe the cause of the redness.

Conjunctivitis

The medical term for pink eye is conjunctivitis. The pink or reddish color comes from inflammation of the area, which is called the conjunctiva.

Causes and Symptoms

What causes pink eye? And how do you know what type you have?

First, you can get a red coloration in the eyes for a variety of reasons. They include:

  • Viral infection
  • Bacterial infection
  • Allergies
  • Chemicals in the eye
  • Foreign object (including, sometimes, extended wear contact lenses)
  • Blocked tear duct (most common in newborns)

Contrary to popular belief, conjunctivitis isn’t always caused by questionable hygiene practices. Occasionally, you may be able to get medication if your doctor determines that the infection is bacterial. But if it’s viral, there is no cure. And you may have to wait for the infection to run its course, just like the flu or common cold.

Next, if you believe you have pink eye, you may exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Gritty feeling
  • Redness
  • Itchiness

These 3 symptoms are the most common. They can occur in both eyes, or just one of them.

Additionally, your eyes may leak a white or yellow discharge that leaves a crust around your eyes. The discharge may make it difficult to open your eyes in the morning. In some cases, however, you may just experience tearing and redness from the affected eye(s).

Home Remedies for Pink Eye

Treatment is relatively simple for some types of pink eye, but if symptoms persist, consult a doctor. If the cause is viral, bacterial or allergy-related, it should be diagnosed. For common pink eye, however, you rarely need to seek medical help. The redness and irritation often goes away on its own, although the symptoms may be uncomfortable.

Expect to see pink eye symptoms for 7 – 10 days. Occasionally the condition lasts a little longer, but that’s still no cause for alarm. (For recommendations of when to seek medical help, keep reading.)

In the meantime, try these home remedies for pink eye:

  • Use a Compress

Soak a lint-free cloth in cool water. Wring the excess water out of the cloth thoroughly and gently press it on your eye. If warm water feels better, you can use that instead.

Furthermore, if you only have one eye red due to infection, keep the cloth away and out of the other eye. Otherwise, you may infect that eye, too. You can try the compresses periodically throughout the day for several minutes each time.

  • Use Eye Drops

If the itchiness is bothering you, you can try over-the-counter eye drops. Make sure the type you use is labeled “lubricating” or “artificial tears.” Ironically, avoid ones that treat “red eyes.” They may mask the course of your pink eye infection.

In addition, if your pink eye is caused by allergies, you may want to try refrigerating the eye drops. If your pink eye is due to viral or bacterial infection, however, make sure that no one else uses the drops.

  • Wear Your Backup Pair of Glasses

Take a break from wearing contact lenses. If you must wear something to see properly, try grabbing your backup pair of glasses instead.

You may have to throw out your contact lenses and the case, too. Keep them and you may run the risk of re-infecting yourself.

  • Wash Everything

You may want to wash your clothes and pillowcases often if you have pink eye. Showering before bed may help, too. Most critically, wash your hands often to limit spreading any contagious form of pink eye.

Seeking Medical Attention

Conjunctivitis can require a doctor’s visit. Seek medical help if you notice any of the following:

  • Changes in vision
  • Fever
  • Eye Pain
  • Light sensitivity
  • A pre-existing condition or impaired immune system

If you or your loved one experiences any of these symptoms, the problem may not be pink eye. Swollen or red eyes may also be an indicator of a sty or different inflammation.

If you don’t get relief from the home remedies or if your infection seems to worsen, it may be time to see your doctor.

Pink Eye Prevention

There are a few precautions you can take to minimize your risk of pink eye or prevent spreading it:

  • Wash your hands often
  • Avoid touching your eyes (this applies to the contagious person and the someone who doesn’t want to get pink eye)
  • Wash towels and pillowcases often, preferably in hot water
  • Don’t share washcloths, towels, pillowcases, handkerchiefs
  • Don’t share eye cosmetics, eye drops, or anything else that touches the eyes
  • Avoid known allergens

Pink eye spreads quickly and is very contagious. It most commonly spreads by touching the eye. But infections are also spread through the nose and mouth. Use universal precautions if you or a household member has pink eye.

Final Thought

Conjunctivitis is a common occurrence, especially if you have children in your household. But simple home remedies for pink eye can help alleviate symptoms as you wait for the infection to pass. And keeping to the prevention tips may also help minimize the risk of it spreading to others in your home.

Lastly, if you find that you experience allergy-based pink eye on a regular basis, you may want to speak with your medical professional. Your doctor may be able to prescribe eye drops or medications to control your allergic reactions. If not, they may recommend over-the-counter drugs that can be effective, too.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/symptoms-causes/syc-20376355
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/pinkeye-home-care#1
https://www.cdc.gov/features/conjunctivitis/index.html

Health

The Side Effects of Steroids: What You Should Know About Them

Written By: Arch
Arch

There is hardly a person out there who hasn’t heard of steroids. And whenever someone brings them up, the odds are pretty good that they will do so in the context of substance abuse. As such, the side effects of steroids should be a common enough topic. However, there is a very big distinction one needs to make before talking this subject.

In other words, it is possible to create quite a bit of confusion when talking about steroids. And the reason is that the term can actually refer to two different substances: corticosteroids and anabolic steroids. And although there are some chemical similarities between them, they do not act in the same way and do not produce the same results.

For this reason, it is very important to make the distinction between the two. In order to ensure you get the whole picture, this text will cover both of them. You will learn what they are, what they’re used for, and what the side effect of their use (and in the case of anabolic steroids, abuse) can be.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are drugs used to combat inflammations. They are a synthetic version of the hormones (usually cortisone) that your body produces in the adrenal glands. They can come in several forms: tablets or syrups to be taken orally, inhalers, creams, or injections.

A dose of corticosteroids will help reduce inflammation and the associated swelling. It will also make your immune system less active – this is crucial for the treatment of some conditions even though it sounds counterintuitive.

You see, while the immune system is how your organism defends against illnesses, sometimes it can attack a body part by mistake. This is called an autoimmune condition. When that happens, corticosteroids can be extremely helpful.

Due to their effect, these steroids have found a use in the treatment of a diverse range of medical conditions. Some of them are:

  • Asthma
  • Eczema (another name for this condition is dermatitis – it is characterized by red and itchy skin)
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Lupus
  • Crohn’s disease

These are just a few examples, and there are many other uses for these drugs. But whatever the medical condition may be, corticosteroids are a very important part of the treatment. At times, the patient’s very survival depends on them.

Side Effects of Corticosteroids

As valuable as they may be, corticosteroids can have their side effects, just like any other drug. The potential severity of these side effects depends on the dosage and the length of time a person uses the treatment.

Some of the side effects can include:

  • Improper Response to Physical Stress

When you suffer an injury or get an illness, your adrenal glands are supposed to respond appropriately. But if you’ve been taking corticosteroids for a longer period of time, that may not happen. Under those circumstances, you need to receive additional steroids to make up for the lack. This condition should pass with time.

  • Withdrawal Syndrome

If you’ve been taking corticosteroids for a while and suddenly stop, you can experience symptoms such as fatigue, fever, etc. That’s why you need to slowly discontinue use.

  • Infection

We’ve already mentioned how corticosteroids affect your immune system. The downside is that you’re more susceptible to infections.

  • Insomnia

Corticosteroids can make it more difficult to fall asleep.

  • Weight Gain

Another potential problem with these drugs is increased appetite and the weight gain that comes with it.

There are quite a few other potential side effects of corticosteroids, but they do not change the fact that these drugs are very valuable. You just need to be careful with them.

Anabolic Steroids

Of the two drugs that share a part of their name, anabolic steroids (anabolic–androgenic steroids, to be more precise) are the more well-known. Or the more notorious, if we’re being honest. They are man-made substances that mimic testosterone, the male sex hormone.

As such, they help build muscle (that is the anabolic effect) and promote the development of physical traits characteristic to the male gender (the androgenic part). Outside of medical circles, the muscle-building part is much more famous and tends to draw the majority of attention.

These substances have attracted quite a bit of notoriety due to their misuse, but they are actually an invaluable tool in the treatment of a number of medical issues. For example, doctors will prescribe anabolic steroids to combat delayed puberty or to offset reduced levels of testosterone which can be brought about by several conditions.

Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids

When you hear someone refer to the side effects of steroids, they are most likely talking about athletes or bodybuilders who abuse anabolic steroids. This is the reason behind all the controversy surrounding these drugs. And while it is true that these substances can enhance performance and help with muscle growth, they can also cause a number of side effects – some of which are very serious and irreversible.

Among others, these side effects include:

  • Hormonal Problems

Because they disrupt the chemical balance within the body, anabolic steroids can wreak havoc on the hormonal system. In men, this can lead to several problems with the testes such as reduced function or shrinking. They can also cause hair loss or the development of breasts (known as gynecomastia). There is also an association between steroid abuse and a higher risk of testicular cancer.

When it comes to women, anabolic steroids can cause the appearance of masculine features. These include body hair and a deeper voice.

  • Cardiovascular Problems

Elevated blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke are just some of the conditions that can come from steroid abuse.

  • Infection

Because the most popular way to administer anabolic steroids is through injections and those who abuse them often do so in non-sterile conditions, there is an increased risk of catching serious infections. This can include conditions such as hepatitis B and C or HIV.

  • Aggression

One of the most controversial aspects of anabolic steroid abuse is the alleged link with increased aggression. Colloquially, this is known as “roid rage”. While evidence isn’t fully conclusive and it is possible other factors are also in play, there have been numerous studies showing this connection.

  • Liver Problems

Liver damage and tumors are also possible side effects.

  • Skin Problems

The misuse of anabolic steroids can also lead to several skin problems. This includes acne and jaundice.

There is even more to say here, but this is enough to show how serious and wide-reaching the side effects of anabolic steroids can be.

Conclusion

Both corticosteroids and anabolic steroids can have a number of side effects. Still, the latter ones have attracted far more infamy due to their widespread abuse among athletes.

But as is the norm, both of these types of drugs can also be vital in the treatment of many conditions, reinforcing the notion that proper usage is key.

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/steroids/
https://www.hss.edu/conditions_steroid-side-effects-how-to-reduce-corticosteroid-side-effects.asp
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/steroids-other-appearance-performance-enhancing-drugs-apeds/what-are-different-types-apeds
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/steroids-other-appearance-performance-enhancing-drugs-apeds/what-are-side-effects-anabolic-steroid-misuse

Health

4 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar You Should Know About

Written By: Arch
Arch

If you were to take a look at some of the trends popular among the natural health community, you would see that vinegar rates very highly among them. Specifically, apple cider vinegar is quite the buzzword, touted for its numerous benefits and practical uses. As a matter of fact, a closer inspection of the matter would reveal countless people swearing by the stuff, almost making it appear as some sort of nature’s cure-all.

And when you dig deeper into this topic, you will find that it’s really not surprising that apple cider vinegar has this kind of a reputation. It turns out that the reasons for the illustrious status it enjoys come from two sources.

On the one hand, vinegar has had a long and storied history of being used as a folk remedy. It is possible to trace the origins of this all the way back to Hippocrates, the man whose enduring contributions to the field of medicine have earned him the prestigious title of its “Father”. More than 2000 years ago, he would use vinegar in the treatment of his patients. This popularity has persisted ever since and remains strong to this day.

But on the other hand, there have also been modern research efforts which have validated some of the reputed health benefits of apple cider vinegar. While studies in this area are certainly not overwhelming in number, they are also not nonexistent – giving credible evidence to some of the claims.

It is precisely these kinds of benefits, the ones backed by research, that will be the focus of this text. But before we get to them, it is important to quickly explain the process behind the creation of apple cider vinegar.

How Apple Cider Vinegar Gets Made

The making of apple cider vinegar requires a two-step fermentation process. The first step involves crushing a number of apples and introducing yeast to the resulting liquid. This creates alcohol from the sugars.

The second step is to turn that alcohol into vinegar. For this, a specific type of bacteria is required. Acetobacter, to be precise. The result of exposing alcohol to this bacteria is the creation of acetic acid. Aside from water, this acid is the chief component of apple cider vinegar. It gives the vinegar its recognizable sourness and plays a key role in many of its applications.

The Health Benefits

As mentioned, there are a lot of claims out there regarding the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. But the following four stand out.

1) Blood Sugar

Out of all the health benefits of vinegar, the one which has received the most acclaim is its effect on lowering the levels of blood sugar and combating diabetes (particularly type 2). As a matter of fact, research efforts have noted several potential upsides.

One study found that vinegar could improve insulin sensitivity, while another concluded that ingesting vinegar shortly before going to sleep could have a favorable impact on glucose levels after waking up for people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Yet another study found that vinegar could be used as a way to help manage blood sugar levels.

As such, there is clear potential for apple cider vinegar to be useful for people who have diabetes or need to keep their blood sugar in check for different reasons. For example, people who are at a higher risk of developing this illness can use it as a preventive measure.

Of course, there are two very important caveats. One is that apple cider vinegar is not a cure for diabetes and certainly cannot replace other treatment. What it can do is help manage the condition.

The other is that you need to be very careful if you are already taking medication for blood sugar. Check with your doctor before you increase the amount of vinegar you consume – maintaining the correct balance is crucial.

2) Antibacterial Properties

Vinegar is good at killing microbes – people have known that for a long time. And now, research has confirmed this.

One study looked at how apple cider vinegar would fare against three different microbes and found positive results in all cases. The conclusion was that the substance had potential for therapeutic use. Two more studies examined the effect of vinegar on food-borne bacteria (particularly Escherichia coli). Once again, vinegar demonstrated its bacteria-killing properties.

Apple cider vinegar can thus be useful for food preservation and for battling harmful bacteria in general.

3) Weight Reduction

Apple cider vinegar can also help with weight loss. One study found that adding vinegar to a meal increased the feeling of satiety among participants. This is useful in reducing the total amount of food consumed.

Another research effort looked at how obese subjects would respond to the intake of vinegar over a 12-week period. The results showed improvements in a number of categories such as body weight and waist circumference, prompting the conclusion that vinegar could help reduce obesity.

Naturally, apple cider vinegar alone is not enough to produce truly noticeable results. Weight loss requires effort on a number of levels, from exercise to diet. But, it showed definite promise as a way to aid that process.

4) Cholesterol and Blood pressure

Finally, studies on rats showed that vinegar could reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. This benefit is not as conclusive as the previous ones because it is yet to be confirmed on humans, but there is definite potential.

Combined with the findings from the previous studies, these results indicate that heart disease may be another area where apple cider vinegar is beneficial.

Final Words

The list of potential health benefits of apple cider vinegar does not end here. There is anecdotal evidence linking it to many other uses, but this would require further research to ascertain for sure.

Still, there is no doubt that this ingredient has proven upsides. It is not the wonder drug or elixir of youth that some make it out to be, but it can do its part in a number of areas if consumed moderately. And when it comes to your health, every little bit helps.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/#R1
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/1/281.long
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/30/11/2814.full
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28292654
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27665528
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9713753
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16015276
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19661687
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16611381
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26476634

Health

How to Stop Diarrhea: Things You Need to Know

Written By: Arch
Arch

There isn’t a person out there who hasn’t experienced occasional bouts of diarrhea – loose and watery bowel movements occurring several times per day. It is a common medical condition – MedlinePlus reports that the average adult in the United States gets acute (short-term) diarrhea once per year. For young children, the average is twice a year.

Therefore, everyone knows that it can cause a lot of discomfort. And there’s no two ways about it – absolutely nothing about this problem is comfortable. Particularly if you have a more severe case of it. Therefore, knowing how to stop diarrhea, or at least weaken its effects, can be rather valuable.

Unfortunately, the appropriate treatment for this condition can vary greatly. The reason for this is simple – there are quite a few different causes of it. And each specific cause requires specific treatment. Therefore, we need to examine this condition in greater detail in order to be able to provide a complete answer to the eponymous question.

However, before delving deeper into the potential causes of this problem, it is worth mentioning that there are some general steps one can take to try and stop diarrhea. So, we will look at those first.

How to Stop Diarrhea: General Treatment Steps

In most cases, diarrhea will only last a couple of days. It’s your organism’s response to a small infection or to the ingestion of food that did not sit well with you. Once the offending substance clears your system, your stool will return to normal.

In those situations, the only real way to deal with this issue is to wait it out. But in order to cope with the symptoms while you wait and speed up the process, you can try some of the following methods. And if you have a mild case, this can be enough to stop diarrhea in its tracks.

1) Eat Bland Foods

When you have diarrhea, the last thing you want to do is upset your stomach further when you eat. So, stick to bland, low-fiber ingredients for a few days.

Speaking of food used to combat diarrhea, you might have heard of something called the BRAT diet. It stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It is often suggested for kids (hence the colorful acronym), but there is absolutely no reason adults shouldn’t use it as well. You do not need to limit your diet exclusively to these ingredients, but making them a prominent part of your meals can help in shortening bouts of diarrhea.

You can also try potatoes, skinless chicken, or certain crackers. Conversely, avoid dairy, fatty or spicy foods, etc.

2) Drink Plenty of Clear Liquids

It might seem counterintuitive to drink lots of fluids when you have watery stools, but it is integral to dealing with this condition. The reason is that diarrhea can cause dehydration. In the most severe cases, diarrhea-induced dehydration can even be life-threatening.

It probably will not come to that, but a lack of fluid still weakens your organism. And your body needs its strength in order to deal with whatever caused the diarrhea in the first place. So, you need to replace what you’ve lost in order to get better.

For this purpose, go with water and juices. Chicken broth is also a good choice. If you have a more serious case, sports drinks offer a way to replenish electrolytes.

On the other hand, avoid alcohol or any drinks which contain caffeine.

3) Try Probiotics

Probiotics can help restore balance to your digestive tract, making these microorganisms helpful for certain types of diarrhea. You can get them in capsules and in certain brands of yogurt.

4) Consider Anti-Diarrheal Medicine

Finally, there are certain medications which can help reduce the intensity or frequency of diarrhea. Popular over-the-counter options include loperamide (sold as Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (known as Pepto-Bismol). However, you need to exercise extreme caution before taking them. This means that even though they are available without a prescription, it is not advised to use them without consulting your doctor first.

The reason for this is that they can actually make certain medical conditions worse. Namely, diarrhea is one of the ways for your body to get rid of substances that are harming it. By getting in the way of this process with medication, you could end up doing a lot more harm than good. Sometimes, you just have to suffer through the watery bowel movements in order to get better.

Specific Causes of Diarrhea

As mentioned, diarrhea will usually go away pretty much on its own after a few days. You can use the above-mentioned methods to speed this up and make the experience less uncomfortable. But if the condition lasts for more than two or three days, you need to see a doctor. You should also immediately do this if you notice signs of dehydration or severe symptoms.

If that happens, your doctor will need to determine the exact cause behind the condition and prescribe specific treatment. These causes include:

  • Viruses

Viral hepatitis, rotavirus, and several others can be the reason you’re experiencing diarrhea. In order to stop it, you need special medication.

  • Bacteria or Parasites

A common cause of diarrhea is contaminated water or food. Salmonella is a famous example of this, but there are many more. It is not rare to see this with people who visit different countries (particularly developing ones), which is why the term traveler’s diarrhea exists.

In these cases, antibiotics can help.

  • Medication

Quite a few medications can have diarrhea as a side effect. If this is what’s happening to you, your doctor will need to adjust the dosage or switch you to an alternative.

  • Lactose

If you’re lactose intolerant, diarrhea can follow after you consume dairy products. Once your doctor ascertains this, you will need to adjust your diet.

  • Artificial Sweeteners

Certain artificial sweeteners can also cause diarrhea for some people. Once again, the only way to stop it is to determine the exact substance that’s harming you and steer clear of it.

There are even more potential causes of diarrhea (even running can be one), but the point is clear – you can’t stop it without knowing the exact reason behind it.

Conclusion

Diarrhea is a common issue that should pass in a day or two. Under those circumstances, you can take certain steps to ease the ordeal.

But if the symptoms persist, a trip to the doctor’s office is mandatory. Then, the only way to stop diarrhea is to determine the underlying condition and address it.

References:

https://medlineplus.gov/diarrhea.html
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-treat-diarrhea-1298246
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352246
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352241
https://www.mayoclinic.org/runners-diarrhea/expert-answers/faq-20058107

Health

How Long Does a Cold Last?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Everyone’s been there – you get a runny nose and your throat starts to feel sore. Then come the coughs and sneezes. And as soon as you start to feel under the weather, the first question that comes to mind is, “how long does a cold last?”

Fortunately, colds tend to be fairly short-lived medical conditions. Although, it may not be entirely possible to give one definitive answer as to the exact duration of the illness. That is because a number of factors can impact how long the symptoms will last. There is the general strength of a person’s immune systems as well as things like smoking – smokers can take longer to recover. But as a general rule of thumb, most colds will pass in 7 to 10 days.

Still, there is a lot more to be said about the ever-present (and ever-annoying) common cold.

Causes

What everyone simply refers to as the cold is technically a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. This means the virus primarily affects your nose and throat. And speaking of the virus that can cause a cold, there isn’t just one out there that you need to avoid. As a matter of fact, over 200 types of viruses can do this, with rhinoviruses being the most common among the culprits.

For this reason, colds are next to impossible to constantly avoid. To put this in concrete terms, the CDC states that otherwise healthy adults will, on average, catch two or three colds each year. For children, the numbers are even higher.

Hence, the common cold is something you will see (and have to endure) all too often. Still, there are some risk factors that can increase your odds of catching it:

  • Compromised Immune System

If your immune system is compromised by a chronic illness or weakened in some other way, you stand a far greater chance of getting a cold.

  • Age

Children below the age of six are especially at risk.

  • Smoking

Not only can smokers experience more severe symptoms, but they are also more likely to catch a cold in the first place.

  • Time of Year

Winter is when people are most likely to get a cold, both children and adults. Although, you can catch it during any other season as well.

  • Surroundings

If you spend a lot of time around numerous people (particularly children) in enclosed spaces, your odds of getting exposed to cold-causing viruses increase. This can refer to things such as traveling via public transportation or being in school environments.

Symptoms

We already mentioned that it will probably take around a week or 10 days for you to stop feeling the effects of a cold. But you’ll actually start feeling the symptoms between one and three days after you’ve been exposed to the virus.

The intensity of the symptoms will vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience the same ones. But, they can include:

  • Nasal Congestion
  • Throat Soreness
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Headaches and Body Aches
  • Malaise
  • Low Fever

While they can certainly cause no small amount of discomfort, the symptoms of the cold are generally harmless. Unless you develop complications, there shouldn’t be any serious issues.

However, it is very important to remember that you can spread the virus to other people. So, even if you’re not feeling particularly sick yourself, you can put others at risk. Therefore, you should take certain measures of precaution until you’re sure you’ve completely recovered.

First and foremost, stay at home. While it is true that no employer enjoys it when their workers call in sick, they’ll enjoy it even less if the virus spreads. The same goes for school.

Also, steer clear of close contact with other people. When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth. Then, dispose of the tissue.  After that, immediately wash your hands.

Finally, disinfect the objects you frequently use. This is because the virus can survive outside of your body for a certain period of time, making it possible to infect others even without direct contact.

Treatment

It is important to be clear about a couple of things right off the bat – there is no cure for the common cold. Nor is there a vaccine. For example, antibiotics will not be of any use. They can help with bacterial infections, but colds are viral in nature.

In essence, you need to let the illness run its course. And as far as treatment is concerned, it is aimed at alleviating the symptoms since it cannot address the root cause.

In this respect, you can use mild pain relievers to feel more comfortable. But, there is also a very large market of over-the-counter medicines specifically designed to help with colds, and these are probably your best bet. Just remember that they are not all the same, and you need to find whatever works best for your specific symptoms. There are pills, medication your dissolve in water, etc. You can also buy decongestant sprays but shouldn’t use them for more than a couple of days in a row.

What is more, several home remedies can make it quite a bit easier to weather the effects of a cold. Everything starts with bed rest. You should also drink plenty of fluids such as water or juice. Of course, there is also chicken soup – it can soothe you and help with congestion. The same goes for tea.

The room you’re in should be warm, but do not overdo it. And if the air is dry, a humidifier can help. Finally, you can soothe your throat by gargling warm water mixed with salt.

All in all, you shouldn’t need any “drastic” treatment for a cold. But if the symptoms appear more severe than usual or persist for longer than 10 days, you should see a doctor without delay.

Conclusion

“How long does a cold last?” That is the question everyone has as soon as they start feeling the well-known symptoms. The answer – usually between 7 and 10 days. And there are no drugs you can take to cure it. You can only alleviate the effects.

Still, it is a harmless condition most of the time. Rest, home remedies, and maybe some over-the-counter medication – you don’t really need anything else.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/colds-and-flu-types
https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/

Pioglitazone: Diabetes and Fibromyalgia

Written By: Alexandra Waller
John

Pioglitazone is an anti-diabetic medication that helps lower blood sugar in patients who have high blood sugar. More specifically, it can help treat type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts the way the body processes glucose. Insulin resistance involves the resistance of the hormone insulin, which increases the levels of blood sugar. A common brand for pioglitazone is Actos. This medication requires a prescription from your doctor.

Here we will examine the warnings and side effects of pioglitazone. Additionally, we will look at how it can connect to fibromyalgia.

Disclaimer: Although this article has undergone research to try and provide accurate and up-to-date information, it should not take the place of your doctor’s professional opinion. Reach out to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Warnings

Controlling the levels of your blood sugar is important. High or low blood sugar levels can have different consequences to your health. For example, high blood sugar can lead to kidney damage, blindness, or nerve problems. Pioglitazone is meant to help lower your blood sugar levels. However, there are some warnings to be aware of before using this medication, including but not limited to:

  • Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol while using this medication. It can lead to low blood sugar and increase the risk of serious side effects and interactions.
  • Allergies: Let your doctor know if you have had any allergic reactions to this or other medications. It is important to also inform your doctor if you have any other allergies. The inactive ingredients in pioglitazone can lead to allergic reactions or other problems.
  • Pregnancy: Pioglitazone can change your menstrual cycle and increase the likeliness of getting pregnant. Speak to your doctor about the possibility of getting pregnant while using this medication. Also, it is not recommended to use this medication while pregnant or trying to become pregnant because of its possible risks. However, consult your doctor for direct instructions based on your condition.
  • Medical History: Tell your doctor about your medical history, such as if you have experienced heart disease, liver disease, edema, anemia, fluid in the lungs, macular edema, or bladder cancer.
  • Staying Alert: It is important to be aware that pioglitazone can cause blurred vision, dizziness, or tiredness. Do not drive or use machinery that requires attentiveness until you are sure you will not experience any serious side effects.

Side Effects

Side effects can occur while taking pioglitazone. If you experience any severe side effects that you believe to be life threatening, stop taking the medication and call 911 immediately. Reach out to your doctor if you have other side effects. Keep your doctor informed about your condition, especially if you notice any symptoms worsen or last over a long a period of time. Below is a list of common side effects:

  • blurred vision
  • dry mouth
  • dizziness
  • confusion
  • dry skin
  • headache
  • tiredness
  • increased hunger or thirst
  • stomachache
  • increased urination
  • weight loss
  • sore throat
  • muscle pain
  • tooth or mouth problems
  • sudden sweating
  • shaking
  • fast heartbeat

It is possible to experience other side effects that are not listed above. If side effects occur, make sure to call your doctor and inform them of your condition. Please note that other side effects can occur if you are using other diabetes medications in addition to pioglitazone.

How does pioglitazone relate to fibromyalgia?

Pioglitazone is not known to help treat fibromyalgia. However, there has been research surrounding the connection between fibromyalgia and diabetes. In fact, fibromyalgia is commonly found in patients who have diabetes, and more specifically, patients with type 1 diabetes.

People with both fibromyalgia and diabetes tend to have poorer glucose control. Additionally, people who have both fibromyalgia and diabetes tend to have a higher risk of experiencing more tender points, pain scores, fatigue, and headaches.

It is possible to have higher levels of blood sugar if you have fibromyalgia, which is why it is important to maintain a diet that excludes sugar, white bread, and pasta. Consuming sugar can actually lead to fibromyalgia in some cases or it can worsen pain in fibromyalgia patients. This is why it is important to gain control over your blood sugar levels, especially if you are living with fibromyalgia. Although pioglitazone is a medication that helps treat type 2 diabetes, it can also help ease the problems associated with high blood sugar in fibromyalgia patients. Although it does not help treat fibromyalgia directly, it may help with the nutritional deficiencies or high blood sugar that can be associated with fibromyalgia.

Contact your doctor to find out if pioglitazone is right for you. Ask your doctor about other possible treatment options and whether or not you can take certain medications together with pioglitazone. If you have any other questions or concerns, contact your doctor or healthcare provider in order to receive professional advice.

Fibromyalgia

Chelation Therapy: Benefits and Risks

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

Chelation therapy is a process in which heavy metals are taken out of the blood. Some heavy metals include mercury or lead. Chelation therapy is a common treatment for different kinds of metal poisoning. It has also been considered to help other conditions, such as autism, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and heart disease. However, it is still unclear if chelation therapy helps treat heart disease. Within this article we will examine chelation therapy and how the method works. Additionally, we will also discuss its relation to fibromyalgia.

Please note that I am not a doctor. Although this article has undergone research to try and provide accurate information, you should always talk to your doctor for professional advice. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

What is Chelation Therapy?

As mentioned previously, it is a treatment method that uses medicine to remove metals from the body. This process works by injecting a medication into the body. The medication is a chelator or a chelating agent. After the injection, chelators bind to the metals in the bloodstream. As soon as the chelators collect the heavy metals the kidneys filter them and are released in the urine.

Benefits

There are several benefits of chelation therapy, especially because it is an effective way to remove heavy metals from the blood. In addition to mercury and lead, this treatment option also helps remove other heavy metals, such as arsenic, iron, copper, and nickel. Metal poisoning can occur when an individual drinks polluted water, breathes polluted air, or ingests lead paint. Other conditions can create a buildup of metals in the body. For example, here is a list of conditions:

  • Wilson’s Disease: This disorder is inherited and causes copper poisoning. Symptoms usually occur between the ages of 12 and 23 years old. Symptoms include: swelling, fatigue, abdominal pain, and uncontrolled movements. This chronic disease can be treated by a medical professional.
  • Hemochromatosis: This condition is inherited and causes an iron overload. More specifically, it is where there is too much iron in the body. Symptoms include darkening of the skin, abnormal heart beats, diabetes, or arthritis. Caucasians are more at risk for the classic type of hemochromatosis. Left untreated it can lead to more serious conditions.
  • Chronic Kidney Disease: This condition involves a longstanding disease of the kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the blood. When kidneys fail, waste builds up. Although the condition cannot be cured, treatment can help. This condition usually does not show any symptoms. It can be diagnosed by a blood test.
  • Thalassemia: Thalassemia and other blood disorders can lead to a buildup of iron. Because certain blood disorders require frequent blood transfusions, it is likely to create a buildup of iron in the body.

Risks

Although there are several benefits of chelation therapy, there are also some risks. Chelators can create side effects. Patients may experience a burning sensation at the injection site. Some side effects can be more severe than others. Other side effects can occur, including but not limited to the following:

  • fever
  • headache
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • low blood pressure
  • anemia
  • cardiac arrhythmias
  • seizures
  • hypocalcemia (small amount of calcium in blood)
  • brain damage
  • vitamin deficiencies
  • mineral deficiencies
  • kidney damage
  • liver damage
  • allergic reaction

Because chelation therapy can be dangerous, this treatment option is usually only recommended when the benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your doctor about what options are best for your condition.

Chelation Therapy and Fibromyalgia

Chelation therapy can help treat fibromyalgia by getting rid of ionic substances, including calcium, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, plutonium and zinc. This treatment method can be used for fibromyalgia as well as chronic fatigue syndrome that can be impacted by heavy metal toxicity. Some research has suggested that heavy metals can cause fibromyalgia because having too many in the body can lead to lack of functionality.

This treatment option for fibromyalgia usually involves a blood infusion of EDTA. An EDTA is an amino acid complex of ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid. When EDTA comes into contact with the toxins, it will bind to the metals and expel them from the body. There is also an option for oral chelation therapy.

In some cases, chelation helps treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia. More specifically, chelation therapy can help patients with fibromyalgia by reducing the symptoms of fatigue, heart problems, respiratory problems, urinary problems, gastrointestinal symptoms, and neurological symptoms.

Contact your doctor for more information concerning chelation therapy as an alternative fibromyalgia treatment option. If you have any questions about chelation therapy, reach out to your healthcare professional.

Fibromyalgia

Bisphosphonates: What Conditions can it Treat?

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

Bisphosphonates are used to slow down the rate of bone loss. Unfortunately, this group of drugs does not build bone, it simply slows down the process of bone loss. Bisphosphonates can be taken orally or by injection, and commonly include alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), risedronate and zoledronic acid (Reclast). Bisphosphonates help treat bone disorders, including osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is more likely to occur due to age, menopause, and other medical conditions or medications.

Although bisphosphonates are meant to reduce bone fractures in patients with osteoporosis, it can create some unwanted side effects. One side effect is severe pain that mimics fibromyalgia symptoms. Here we will examine other conditions bisphosphonates can treat and look at its relation to fibromyalgia. Please note that I am not a doctor. This article has undergone research, but it should not replace the advice of your doctor. Reach out to your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.

What can it treat?

As previously mentioned, bisphosphonates are a group of drugs that help treat bone problems. Specifically, bisphosphonates help patients who have bone loss or who have thin or fragile bones. Patients who have abnormal bone densities or have had several bone fractures are more likely to be given bisphosphonates by their doctor. These medications are prescribed to the patient in order to stop future bone fractures or other injuries.

Besides osteoporosis, there are other conditions that may require bisphosphonate therapy. Other bone disorders include osteopenia, Paget’s disease, and metastatic bone disease. Here is a list in detail of each bone disorder:

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is usually treated with bisphosphonates. It tends to occur in older patients and those individuals with loss of estrogen. The name actually means “porous bones,” which is exactly what the bone looks like in patients with osteoporosis.

Osteopenia

Although osteopenia is similar to osteoporosis, it does have its differences. It occurs when the bones are weaker, but not weak enough where the bones will break easily. Osteopenia is a condition in which the body has difficulty making new bone at the same pace as reabsorbing old bone. Women are more at risk as well as older adults.

Paget’s Disease of Bone

Also known as PDB or osteitis deformans, Paget’s disease is a condition that interferes with the replacement of old bone tissue with new bone tissue. It can lead to fragile or misshapen bones. It more likely affects older adults and commonly occurs in the legs, pelvis, skull, and spine.

Metastatic Bone Disease (MBD)

This disorder is where cancer spreads from the organ to the bone. Cancer can start in the lungs, breast, or prostate, and then it can spread to the bone. Your doctor may suggest several treatment options besides bisphosphonates for this disease.

Other reasons that can lead to bone loss include lack of exercise, nutritional or genetic reasons, and hormones.

Side Effects of Bisphosphonates

It is possible to experience severe pain from bisphosphonates. Additionally, there are other possible side effects. Surprisingly, some side effects involve a different form of osteonecrosis. One example is ONJ or osteonecrosis of the jaw. Osteonecrosis of the jaw tend to occur in patients who are treated for long periods of time with high doses of bisphosphonates. The following is a list of some possible side effects of bisphosphonates, including ONJ:

  • atypical fractures (for example: atypical femoral shaft fractures)
  • atrial fibrillation
  • bone or joint pain
  • severe pain
  • muscle aches
  • nausea
  • biphosphonate-related osteonecrosis
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • headache
  • bladder infections
  • tiredness
  • dizziness
  • head colds
  • the flu
  • sinus or throat infections

If you experience any severe side effects that you believe to be life threatening, call 911 immediately.

How is it related to fibromyalgia?

Unfortunately, some research has shown that bisphosphonates can trigger pain-like symptoms similar to fibromyalgia. In fact, FDA issued an alert to caution patients about the possible side effect of severe musculoskeletal pain associated with this drug.

However, there have also been some cases in which patients have received IV Pamidronate or other IV bisphosphonate medicines for pain. These have been used to reduce pain specifically in patients with pain-related conditions, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, and more. However, there has not been very much research on the topic. The benefits of bisphosphonates should outweigh the risks and side effects if you are considering taking this medicine.

Contact your doctor to find the right treatment option for your condition. Ask your doctor for more information if you have any more questions or concerns or visit American Bone Health online.

Fibromyalgia

Risperidone: Oral Tablet

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

Risperidone is an antipsychotic medicine that focuses on the chemicals found in the brain. It can help treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability caused by autism. Risperidone oral tablet is available as a generic and brand-name drug. Common brands can include Risperdal, Risperdal Consta, and Risperdal M-TAB. A prescription is needed for this drug. Here we will be discussing the warnings and side effects associated with this medicine. Ask your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about this medicine.

Please note that I am not a doctor. Although this article has undergone extensive research to try to provide accurate and up-to-date information, do not replace this passage with the advice of your doctor. Contact your doctor for a professional opinion to discuss your condition and the effects of this medicine.

How does it work?

Risperidone can be used as a tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet, and as an oral solution. It can also be used as an injection. For the purpose of this article, we will look at the oral tablet specifically.

This medicine works as an atypical antipsychotic, which is a group of drugs that can treat similar conditions. Risperidone affects and changes the chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. These chemicals happen naturally in the brain, but when there is an imbalance, it can lead to certain conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism. Risperidone is meant to balance and stabilize these chemicals.

Risperidone for Fibromyalgia

According to the National Institutes of Health, antipsychotics like risperidone have shown some promise in treating fibromyalgia:

First- and second-generation antipsychotics have shown analgesic properties both in an experimental setting and in humans, although most of the available evidence for the treatment of human pain concerns older antipsychotics and involves clinical trials performed several decades ago.

While more study is required, it may be worth asking your doctor if an antipsychotic like risperidone would be beneficial in your treatment.

Warnings

As with every medication, there are some warnings to consider before taking risperidone:

Allergies

Do not use risperidone if you have experienced any allergic reactions to this drug. If you are using risperidone currently and believe to be experiencing any allergic reactions, call your doctor immediately. While taking this drug, if you believe to be experiencing any severe or life-threatening effects, stop using risperidone and call 911 as soon as possible. An allergic reaction to risperidone can involve: hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy

Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. If you are using risperidone while pregnant, your doctor may track your progress and the effects of the drug as well as ask for regular check-ups. It is also important to note that this medicine can affect your fertility and impact your ability to have children. Contact your doctor before starting or stopping any medicine.

Breast Feeding

It is recommended to not breast feed while taking risperidone. The medicine can transfer from you to your child through the breast milk and cause unwanted effects. If your baby shows any signs of drowsiness, tremors, or involuntary muscle movements, stop taking risperidone and call your doctor immediately.

Children

Do not give risperidone to your children without the doctor’s request. Keep this drug out of the reach of both children and animals. Children can be prescribed risperidone by their doctor depending on their condition. In fact, risperidone can help treat schizophrenia in children at least 13 years old. It can also be prescribed to autistic children who are at least five years old to help treat irritability.

Dementia

Older adults with dementia-related conditions should avoid risperidone. This drug can increase the risk of death in older patients who have dementia-related conditions. Therefore, this drug may not be right for you. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate use of this drug in order to find out what is best for you.

Other Conditions

Other risks can arise if you have any of the following conditions:

  • heart disease
  • high blood pressure
  • seizures
  • heart problems
  • diabetes
  • low white blood cell counts
  • breast cancer
  • low bone mineral density
  • trouble swallowing
  • liver disease
  • kidney disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Let your doctor know if you have or experienced any of the conditions listed above in order to make sure whether or not this medicine is safe for you.

Side Effects

Make sure to contact your doctor as soon as you experience any side effects. If your symptoms worsen or appear to be life-threatening, call 911 immediately. Here is a list of possible side effects of risperidone:

  • breast swelling or tenderness
  • lack of interest in sex
  • twitching or uncontrolled muscle movements
  • stiff muscles
  • fever
  • excessive sweating
  • low levels of white blood cells
  • low levels of platelets in the blood
  • high blood sugar
  • increased urination
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • confusion
  • tiredness
  • uneven or fast heartbeats
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • dry mouth
  • diarrhea
  • weight gain
  • sore throat

Keep your doctor updated on your reactions to the medicine, especially if you experience any of the side effects listed above. For a complete list, visit Mayo Clinic.

ICD-10 Code for Lyme Disease

Written By: admin
John

For reimbursement claims, medical providers are required to use ICD-10-CM codes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, treatment for Lyme disease after diagnosis requires an initial four-week course of antibiotic therapy in the event the disease persists after the initial four weeks of using oral antibiotics or in case of Lyme carditis where cardiovascular complications are experienced as well as in case of neurological complications. Most of the insurance carriers use the ICD-10-CM code as a guideline to seek compensation for the treatment received. However, this becomes difficult patients are subjected to continuing Lyme symptoms beyond the stipulated four weeks of initial treatment. Instead, CDC recognizes post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome in case of chronic Lyme disease which may cause severe tissue and immune system damages.

Since post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome currently has no ICD-10-CM code, Lyme disease is classified as a subcategory with additional subdivisions in the ICD-10-CM manual. The subdivision codes are thus the ones used to accurately describe a patient’s symptoms which will be used in billing.

The ICD-10-CM code for Lyme disease is A 69.2 covering Erythema chronicum migrans due to the bacterial infection.

Here are the ICD-10 codes for Lyme disease and its post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome:

  • A 69.20 – Lyme disease, unspecified Erythema chronicum migrans
  • A 69.21 – Meningitis symptoms due to Lyme disease
  • A 69.22 – Neurological disorders due to Lyme disease like Polyneuropathy, Cranial neuritis, Meningoencephalitis
  • A 69.23 – Arthritis due to Lyme disease
  • A 69.29 – Other conditions associated with LD including Myopericarditis caused by LD
  • A 69.8 – Other specified spirochetal infections
  • A 69.9 – Spirochetal infection, unspecified

References:

https://www.icd10data.com/ICD10CM/Codes/A00-B99/A65-A69/A69-/A69.20

Is Lyme Disease a Virus?

Written By: John
John

Lime is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted to human beings and other host animals through a bite of an infected tick. Being a bacterial infection, Lyme disease is therefore not a virus. However, after several studies and extensive research, especially trying to find out why the disease does not respond to antibiotic treatment, it was established that the disease might actually not only be caused by the bacterium alone, thus not a distinct disease. Instead, the presence of other viral infections like Chlamydia and cytomegalia as well as exposure to metals and toxins has been established to weaken the immunity resulting into a combination of symptoms that are generally referred as Lyme disease. In this regard, as much as Lyme disease can be said to be a bacteria disease, some viruses are responsible for weakening the immunity for the bacteria to exhibit its symptoms.

References:

https://www.naturalhealth365.com/vaccine-Lyme-disease-symptoms-1527.html

Long-Term Effects of Lyme Disease

Written By: John
John

Lyme disease usually affects people in different ways. While many people are not aware of the risk of this disease, it can lead to some serious long-term debilitating effects despite the initial mild symptoms recovering. Many pro athletes and celebrities have come out to reveal how the disease has completely altered the course of their careers with serious complications months or years after the infection that goes untreated. Among the long-term effects of Lyme disease include;

Heart problems

Though a small percentage of infected patients develop heart problems, Lyme disease may affect various organ systems including the heart. Slowed heart rate and irregular heart rhythm are among the common heart problems experienced by infected individuals. As a result, the patient may experience such symptoms as lightheadedness, chest pain shortness of breath and fainting. In severe cases, though rare, Lyme disease may cause Lyme carditis which recovers completely upon treatment with oral and intravenous antibiotics to get rid of the infection and prevent late complications. If untreated, the disease may result in heart failure which is life-threatening in most cases.

Arthritis

Some individual may develop a specific type of arthritis known as Lyme arthritis when exposed to Lyme disease. This disease usually attacks the knee joints resulting in swelling and painful experiences. Each time this arthritis attacks, it may take up to a few months before recovering when antibiotics are used. Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and siphoning of the synovial fluids from the swollen joints have proven to help reduce soreness in the joints. It is established that a bigger percentage of untreated Lyme disease patients end developing Lyme arthritis which is a severe complication than most would imagine.

Neurological disease

Lyme disease is also said to cause neurological damage that results in memory loss, mood swings, loss of concentration, and muscle weaknesses in approximately 10-15% of the patients. It is also established that the infection may cause, temporary paralysis of facial muscles as well as a lead in poor motor coordination. Treatment with antibiotics for 4-28 days may help in eradicating the bacteria causing the disease. However, the symptoms like headaches and neck stiffness may take longer to disappear.

Lyme disease is a serious condition that has left many people suffering even after initial antibiotic treatment. With the effects likely to last longer and cause debilitating effects, it is important to get diagnosed immediately the first symptoms are detected to help manage the disease and possibly get cured earlier.



References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11982302

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11982303

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21484219

Fibromyalgia

Asthenia: Causes and Treatment

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

Asthenia is a form of severe weakness. Sometimes we all experience a sense of weakness after working out or exercise. However, asthenia is a condition in which an individual feels body fatigue or tiredness. Weakness may occur in one area of the body or the entire body. An individual may not be able to move a part of their body. You may also experience tremors, uncontrollable muscle movements, or twitches at the site of the body that is experiencing weakness. Full-body weakness usually occurs due to a bacterial or viral infection.

Here we will examine the possible causes, symptoms, and treatment options for asthenia. This article has undergone extensive research in order to try to provide accurate information. However, this does not mean it should take the place of your doctor’s professional opinion and advice. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Causes

Certain things can lead to or cause asthenia. If you experience sudden weakness without an explained reason, call 911. Let your doctor know if you have had any of these conditions:

  • anemia
  • cancer
  • chemotherapy
  • congestive heart failure
  • depression
  • diabetes
  • heart attack
  • infectious or chronic diseases
  • medication
  • muscle or nerve injuries
  • polymyositis
  • poison
  • sleep deprivation
  • stroke
  • the flu
  • thyroid disease
  • vitamin deficiency (vitamin B12 or folate)

In addition to the conditions listed above, there are other possible causes of asthenia. Being inactive and living a sedentary lifestyle is an additional cause. In fact, a study conducted by the World Health Organization showed that 60 to 85% of people do not get the necessary amount of exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The muscles can become weaker over time if they are not used properly or if they are inactive for long periods of time.

Also, aging can have a role or a hand in asthenia. Our muscles and tissues can weaken as we age, making us less active. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about other possible causes of asthenia.

Symptoms

Symptoms of asthenia can include, but is not limited to:

  • changes in vision
  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • difficulty breathing
  • difficulty speaking
  • dizziness
  • feeling lightheaded

If you experience any symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Also, asthenia can be determined depending on the specific symptoms you may be experiencing. More specifically, certain symptoms include weakness at one location of your body to the point where you cannot move it efficiently. Other symptoms associated with asthenia are delayed movements, slowness, shaking, tremors, twitching, cramps, or uncontrollable muscle movements.

Asthenia can also affect the entire body. Full-body weakness can make you feel sluggish and run down. It is similar to the feeling you get when you have the flu. Full-body weakness can occur without feeling tired. Weakness can be temporary, but it is also possible that it can continue or become chronic.

Asthenia and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is associated with fatigue and muscle weakness. It is also associated with depression, which can also make the patient feel week, tired, and unable to move. It is important to discuss this with your doctor.

Treatment

Treatment options can vary depending on your condition. Because there are different kinds of asthenia, you will need to speak to your doctor about possible treatment options for your specific type of asthenia. If you have asthenia or weakness due to the cold or the flu, your doctor may not recommend any treatment. However, if you have other conditions, such as if you have blood loss, cancer, or vitamin deficiency, there may be ways to help with weakness. Below you will find a few suggestions:

  • Vitamin Supplements: Patients deficient in vitamins can be given supplements to help treat their condition.
  • Iron Supplements: You may need iron supplementation if you are iron deficient or have blood loss. If your condition is more severe and/or the iron supplements are not working, your doctor may recommend a blood transfusion.
  • Antidepressant Medication: If you are depressed, your doctor can recommend using antidepressant medication to help with fatigue.
  • Antibiotics: Prescribed antibiotics can help patients who have infections.
  • Surgery: Your doctor may recommend surgery, depending on your condition. For example, if you have cancer, you can receive surgery to help relieve your weakness. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment are other options, but these can also cause weakness. The treatment option will depend on the stage, location, and body structure of the patient.
  • Stay Hydrated: Increase your fluid intake and drink more water to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to asthenia. However, severe symptoms of dehydration can require hospital treatment.

Additionally, there are other treatment options your doctor can suggest depending on your condition. Speak to your doctor about other possible treatment options. Your doctor may run some tests, such as blood or urine tests, to more accurately determine the cause of asthenia. In turn, this can help to also more accurately treat your condition.

Differences in Symptoms for Women vs Men

 With Hypothyroidism

Written By: admin
John

An underactive thyroid, or Hypothyroidism, is a metabolic condition in which the thyroid doesn’t create enough hormones to regulate metabolism. This condition is most common in women and people older than 50, although it can happen to anyone, including infants; people undergoing thyroid surgery, autoimmune disease, or certain kinds of medication can result in a diagnosis. The symptoms differ between genders, but only slightly: many of the symptoms, such as depression, muscle weakness and cramping, cold intolerance, fatigue, and weight gain are among the shared signals.

However, in symptoms specifically related to the reproductive system, they are gender specific. Women will notice changes in their menstrual cycle, and infertility is more common than in men. 

Pregnancy can result in a diagnosis due to changes in the immune system, which can lead to a difficult recovery; in some women, a lifelong thyroid replacement is needed. Both genders will experience differences in exercise capacity and performance, as well as sexual drive, with men experiencing erectile dysfunction; while many brush it off due to age, it is important to get a proper diagnosis. 

Hypothyroidism can be successfully treated in the form of a synthetic thyroid hormone, which will aid your body until your thyroid hormone levels return to normal.

Lyme Disease in Spanish

Written By: admin
John

Lyme disease is translated as enfermedad de Lyme which is the disease caused by a bacterium and spread by the bite of a tick. The disease presents flu-like symptoms in the initial stages but if left untreated may result in more complicated and debilitating effects. An atypical form of Lyme disease has been reported in Spain caused by a related Borrelia organism. However, the risk is believed to be low. It is reported to be affecting a number of people in the rural areas hence the need for people traveling there to take precautions against ticks. According to a survey conducted, it was established that the north has the riskiest areas decreasing to the south (41% and 25% respectively). From this survey, it is proved that the northern regions are among the most risky areas for acquiring Lyme disease in Spain.



References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8443316

Fibromyalgia

Metoclopramide for GERD

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

Metoclopramide can help treat certain symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastroparesis in patients with diabetes. Metoclopramide is available as a prescription and can come in several forms. This medicine can be provided as an oral tablet, syrup, or as an injection. Here we will be examining the oral route information of metoclopramide. Firstly, let’s examine metoclopramide more generally. For more information contact your doctor.

Disclaimer: Although this article has undergone research to try and present as accurate information as possible, please do not replace this following article with your doctor’s advice. Also, please note that I am not a doctor, and if you have any serious concerns or questions, it is important to reach out to a doctor you trust in order to receive professional care.

What is Metoclopramide?

As previously mentioned, metoclopramide can help treat certain conditions, including heartburn for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastroparesis in patients with diabetes. GERD is a condition that occurs from esophageal irritation caused by the backward flow of gastric acid. On the other hand, gastroparesis can affect digestion and occurs when the stomach muscles are affected, which prevents normal stomach function and emptying.

The different forms of metolopramide can treat certain conditions differently:

Oral Route

The metoclopramide oral option helps with both GERD and gastroparesis. The oral route usually consists of four to twelve weeks.

Injection

The metoclopramide injection can be used to help treat severe gastroparesis in diabetic patients as well as prevent nausea and vomiting in patients who have undergone chemotherapy or surgery. Additionally, metoclopramide injections can help during certain medical procedures that involve the stomach or intestines.

How does it work?

Metoclopramide helps by increasing the muscle contractions within the stomach or upper digestive tract. In other words, it helps speed up the process of the emptying process. This medicine can help relieve nausea, vomiting, heartburn, a loss of appetite, and reduce the likeliness of feeling full after eating small amounts of food.

Warnings

Some warnings for metoclopramide include:

  • Muscles Movement Problems: If you have ever had any muscle movement problems after using medicines similar to metoclopramide, do not use this drug. If you have had any other problems associated with your stomach or intestine, such as a blockage, tear, or bleeding, let your doctor know and avoid using this medicine.
  • Tardive Dyskinesia: Do not take metoclopramide if you have a movement disorder, such as tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a condition in which patients experience involuntary movements.
  • Allergic Reaction: Do not use this medicine if you have experienced any allergic reactions to it in the past. Make sure to keep your doctor informed if you believe you are experiencing any allergies while using this medication. If any severe effects occur that you believe to be life threatening, call 911 immediately.
  • Children: Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. More specifically, it should not be given to anyone under the age of 18 years.
  • Pregnancy: Tell your doctor if you are or plan on becoming pregnant. It is not suggested to use metoclopramide while pregnant.
  • Other Conditions: Do not use metoclopramide if you have a history of the following conditions: seizures, seizure disorder (epilepsy), or pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor). Other things to let your doctor know is if you have liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, depression, heart rhythm disorder, or Parkinson’s disease.

Side Effects

There is a long list of side effects of metoclopramide. If you believe you are experiencing any side effects, contact your doctor immediately. However, if the effects appear to worsen or become severe or life threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. Some side effects are more common than others. Here is a list of side effects from most common to less common:

More Common

  • diarrhea
  • drowsiness
  • dizziness
  • restlessness
  • headache
  • constipation
  • agitation
  • irritability

Less Common

  • skin rash
  • dry mouth
  • depression
  • increased need to urinate
  • decrease interest in sexual intercourse
  • breast tenderness or swelling
  • change in menstruation

Other side effects can occur that are not listed above. If you experience other effects or reactions, talk with your doctor.

Other Important Information

Alcohol

If you consume alcohol while using metoclopramide, interactions can occur. Also, it is important to note that this medicine can impact how you react if you consume alcohol or other CNS depressants. Because interactions can occur, make sure to stay in contact with your doctor if you experience any effects.

Storage

Keep the medicine out of the reach of any pets and children. Additionally, it should be kept in a sealed container at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Lastly, do not use any outdated medicine.

Foods to Avoid With Hypothyroidism

Written By: admin
John

Anyone who suffers from hypothyroidism – also referred to as an underactive thyroid – knows that trying to lose weight with this condition is very difficult. It seems that the mere thought of eating causes those pounds to pack on, and while others are able to enjoy a wide variety of delicious foods, you sit there, resisting temptation, feeling miserable and not losing weight anyway! The bad news is: there are certain foods that you need to avoid if you have an underactive thyroid. But the good news is: there are lots of delicious foods you can eat. You just need to do more advance planning than most other people. Let’s take a look at the foods that you should avoid if you suffer from hypothyroidism.

To eat or not to eat? That is the question?

If you suffer from hypothyroidism, you need to watch what you eat much more carefully than most of the people around you. First of all, let me point out the fact that “going on a diet” can be very burdensome – you feel like you have to be on the alert all the time, just in case you eat the wrong thing, and many “diets” are very one-sided anyway. Besides those negative aspects, it’s also a fact that most people who lose weight on one of these one-sided diets regain it again in no time at all. The best way to combat the problem is to make the necessary adjustments to your diet for once and for all, and to see it as a new way of life: “No thanks. I don’t eat anything that contains sugar!” rather than “I won’t have any cake thank you. I’m on a diet at the moment.” Do you see the difference – it’s about permanence and not a temporary state. But, despite those things you must banish from your diet, many of which are undeniably delicious (and also extremely bad for everyone, even if their thyroid functions normally), there are so many other delicious things you can replace them with. One of the best tricks is to drink lots of water and calorie-free beverages, like herbal and fruit teas without sugar, tea or coffee with just a little milk if you can’t drink it black. Add some xylitol to your beverages if you can’t do without that little bit of sweetness. Drinking a lot fills your stomach, and you won’t feel as hungry – and we all need lots of fluids anyway.

So, what are those foods that you should be avoiding?

Sugars and refined carbohydrates – there are so many reasons why we shouldn’t eat sugar, regardless of our weight, metabolism, age, thyroid activity and the general state of health. The human body is well able to function – in fact, it functions better – with no sugar at all. If you want to add sweetness to beverages, use xylitol, but with caution because too much of it can cause diarrhea in some people. Sugar also causes inflammation within the body, and inflammation inhibits the production of the critical thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, which are responsible for the regulation of your metabolism, your temperature, and your heart rate.

  • Processed foods and fast foods – processed foods contain high levels of sodium and other unhealthy salts. Like sugar, these salts induce inflammation, which in turn inhibits the production of T3 and T4.
  • Cruciferous vegetables – a big name for a well-known group of vegetables which includes cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, radishes, turnips, and kohlrabi. These otherwise healthy vegetables inhibit the activity of the thyroid and may even cause it to enlarge, especially if you do not consume enough natural iodine. If you do not want to cut them out completely, at least limit your intake.
  • Tap water – this is possibly one of the biggest challenges because everyone needs to drink lots of water. Unfortunately, the chlorine and the fluoride they add to our household water inhibit the production of the thyroid hormones. Overcoming this one is not so easy. Some people are lucky enough to be able to collect fresh spring water, but beware here too – spring water is often lacking in calcium, so you need to make sure you’re supplementing somehow. Another alternative is a reverse osmosis filtration device under the kitchen sink, which filters all those harmful substances out of the water – but this way, you’ll need to supplement your calcium too.
  • Gluten – many people with hypothyroidism are also sensitive to gluten, so it’s wise to avoid anything that contains high levels of gluten. Flour, noodles, barley, and rye are all high in gluten. Luckily, most supermarkets have a range of gluten-free products, but avoid those that are highly processed.
  • Soy – although soy has long been a firm favorite with vegetarians and people who want to eat less meat, it’s coming more and more under the spotlight due to the isoflavones it contains, which inhibit thyroid activity. What’s more, they also inhibit the absorption of thyroid medication.

Conclusion

So, where does that leave you? No refined flour products, like cakes and cookies, white bread or noodles, no sugar, no cabbage (I can hear some cheers!), cauliflower and broccoli, no tap water, no soya. But think about all that delicious stuff you can eat – fresh fruit and a wide range of vegetables, oats, meat (especially lamb, beef, and turkey), dairy products, nuts, seeds (like chia, sesame and pumpkin seeds), legumes. You need to adjust your diet to suit your body, and because a thyroid diet is basically a healthy diet for everyone, if you’re a mom (or dad) you can simply start buying your groceries and cooking accordingly. Chances are, your family won’t even notice the change!

References

https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20986201,00.html#worst-processed-foods-0

https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/5-foods-avoid-hypothyroidism-thyroid-disease-thyroid-diet/

https://www.activebeat.com/diet-nutrition/hypothyroidism-diet-6-foods-to-eat-and-6-foods-to-avoid/7/

Fibromyalgia

Lady Gaga Breaks Down Discussing Fibromyalgia

Written By: admin
admin

Lady Gaga was honored with an ELLE Women in Hollywood Award and broke into tears discussing her fibromyalgia.

 

The singer and actress is currently headlining A Star Is Born in theaters, and she took some time to receive the award, wearing an oversized “power suit” from designer Marc Jacob’s Spring 2019 collection. It was the choice of the suit itself, which she wore instead of a traditional gown, that turned so many heads and was chosen specifically in response to her struggles with sexual assault, PTSD, and the chronic pain of fibromyalgia.

In her remarkable speech, she addressed her fibro directly:

…I was diagnosed with PTSD and Fibromyalgia, which many people don’t think is real, and I don’t even know what the f**k to say about that.

‘But I’ll tell you what it is. It’s a syndrome that is essentially a cyclone of stress induced pain. And I really wish my friend Lena Dunham was here tonight because I think she could probably articulate this much better than me.

Jennifer Lopez’ boyfriend Alex Rodriguez shared a video of the event:

 

Highlights:

  • Addressing the suit directly, she said, “As a sexual assault survivor by someone in the entertainment industry, as a woman who is still not brave enough to say his name, as a woman who lives with chronic pain, as a woman who was conditioned at a very young age to listen to what men told me to do, I decided today I wanted to take the power back. Today I wear the pants.”
  • Discussing mental health: “Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma—these are just a few examples of the forces that can lead to this tornado of pain.”
  • On the significance of the award itself: “For me, this is what it means to be a woman in Hollywood. It means, I have a platform. I have a chance to make a change. I pray we listen and believe and pay closer attention to those around us to those in need.”

Go deeper:

Neurological Lyme Disease Symptoms

Written By: admin
John

If left untreated, Lyme disease may result in various neurological complications. This is usually in case of late disseminated Lyme disease where symptoms emerge weeks, months or even years after the initial infection and most cases if the infection is not treated.

Among the symptoms of neurological Lyme disease are included:

  • Decreased concentration
  • Memory loss
  • Sleep disorders
  • Nerve damage in the arms and legs
  • Numbness
  • Paralysis of the facial muscles
  • Meningitis symptoms like severe headaches, stiff neck, and fever.
  • Weaknesses
  • Visual disturbances

What is Hyperhidrosis Disorder?

Written By: Alexandra Waller
John

Hyperhidrosis disorder is a condition that involves excessive sweating. We all experience sweat, as it is a natural occurrence that helps cool down our bodies. However, excessive sweating usually occurs at random times or happens for no reason. It does not occur just because you are exercising or if it is warm. There are some conditions that can cause excessive sweating, such as menopause or hyperthyroidism. Only about 5% of Americans have hyperhidrosis. However, this statistic can be incorrect due to the possibility that people disregard or do not realize they have this condition.

Here we will be looking at the two different types of hyperhidrosis. Then, we will discuss what are possible symptoms and treatment options.

Please note: I am not a doctor. Although this article has undergone extensive research, this information should not take the place of advice from a healthcare professional you trust. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Two Types of Hyperhidrosis

Let’s look at the two types of hyperhidrosis disorder:

Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis

The first type of hyperhidrosis is called: primary focal hyperhidrosis. This usually occurs when an individual sweats from the feet, hands, face, and/or underarms. It also tends to start as a child and appears to be more likely among those who have a family history of hyperhidrosis.

Secondary Generalized Hyperhidrosis

The second type of hyperhidrosis is called: secondary generalized hyperhidrosis. This type is usually caused by or related to a medical condition. Certain conditions that can cause secondary generalized hyperhidrosis include: adrenal gland disorders, cnacer, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, lung disease, menopause, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, stroke, or infectious diseases like HIV.

Certain medications can also cause excessive sweating, including antidepressants like desipramined, nortriptyline, and protriptyline. Other medications can include pilocarpine for dry mouth or zinc for mineral dietary supplement.

Unlike the first type, the second usually starts in adulthood not childhood. As indicated by the title of this type, this condition is more generalized and involves more generalized sweating. Sweating can occur all over the body or in just one area. Also, excessive sweating can occur while sleeping.

Symptoms

Although the symptoms of hyperhidrosis disorder is fairly obvious, there are particular signs other than excessive sweating that are indicators of this disorder. Contact your doctor if you believe you have hyperhidrosis or show signs of this disorder. In some cases, hyperhidrosis can be an indicator of something more serious or an underlying medical condition. So, it is important to reach out to a doctor you trust. Certain symptoms include:

  • sweating that lasts for a long period of time (at least six months) that occurs at least once a week
  • sweating that happens on both sides of the body
  • sweat that is excessive and can make certain daily activities difficult
  • a family history of hyperhidrosis

Different symptoms can arise depending on the type of hyperhidrosis you have. Review the differences between each type and contact your doctor who can give you more detailed information.

Treatment

There are several ways to help treat hyperhidrosis.

At-Home Options

  • Antibacterial Soap: Wash yourself everyday with an antibacterial soap to get rid of the bacteria that can cause odors. Apply antiperspirant after drying your skin.
  • Antiperspirants: This can be purchased over-the-counter at your local store. However, if this does not seem to be working for you, your doctor can always prescribe you something stronger. It can be applied under the armpits as well as at the hands, feet, and hairline.
  • Clothing: Certain kinds of clothing can help, such as light and breathable types of fabrics. Cotton and silk are great examples. Shoe inserts can help absorb sweat and help control odors.
  • Food: Avoid consuming anything spicy. Do not consume any hot drinks or alcohol.

Medical Options

  • Anticholinergic Drugs: This oral drug can help stop the activation of the sweat glands. However, there are several side effects associated with anticholinergic drugs, including blurred vision, trouble urinating, and heart problems.
  • Botox: Botox, or botulinum toxin A, is another treatment option. It helps stop the release of the chemical responsible for telling the sweat glands to activate. Although you may need more than one injection, the effects can last up to a year.
  • Iontophoresis: This process involves the use of water and electrical waves. You place your hands or feet (or both) in the water where a low electrical current goes through the water. It is supposed to block sweat from getting to the surface of your skin. However, this treatment option is not for everyone and should not be considered by women who are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant or those individuals who have pacemakers, metal implants, heart problems, or epilepsy.
  • Surgery: As a last resort, your doctor may recommend surgery if you have a severe case of hyperhidrosis. This option is usually successful, but can lead to compensatory sweating in which one part of the body stops sweating, but another part starts sweating to compensate.

How to lose weight with Hypothyroidism

Written By: admin
John

If you are one of those people who simply have to look at a slice of cake to gain weight, you might be suffering from hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland, which is situated under your Adam’s apple, quite low down on our neck, plays a major role in both weight gain and weight loss because it is responsible for the secretion of several important hormones that regulate our metabolism.

Metabolism, highly simplified, is the process of burning calories so that they can be converted into energy. This enables us to use our muscles and ensures that our essential organs, over which we have no control, are able to function. If we are overweight, we need to encourage our bodies to burn our own body fat rather than drawing energy from the food we eat. If we have an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, this is not an easy task.

Can we encourage our thyroid to become more active?

In a word, yes, but it isn’t going to happen without some serious input from your side. Remember the old saying: “No pain, no gain”? Unfortunately, exactly that applies here. But there are also several useful tips for getting your thyroid back into shape.

Iodine: One of the most important minerals for a healthy, active thyroid is iodine, so if you use prefer to use rock salt for cooking, it’s time to switch to natural sea salt, which contains natural iodine. Avoid iodized salt – the real thing is always better than something which has to be supplemented to make it “healthier.” There are also lots of foods that naturally contain iodine. Fish and other seafood, like shrimps, crab, and lobster are an excellent healthy source. Seaweeds also contain iodine, so if you like sushi, you’re well on the way. Pressed kelp tablets are another way to consume seaweed if you don’t like its flavor. Turkey breast, boiled eggs, bananas, prunes, boiled potatoes, and plain yogurt are also good sources of iodine.

Down with sugar and starch, up with protein, whole foods, and raw vegetables: If you’re trying to lose weight, sugars and other refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, cakes and cookies, noodles and rice are to be consumed with extreme caution. There are two basic sources of energy that your body can burn for energy– carbohydrates (sugars and starches) and fats. Protein is used to regenerate and grow cells, but it doesn’t provide the body with energy. If you eat a lot of “bad” carbohydrates, your body is going to burn those bad carbohydrates, because they are very much easier to burn than fat is. If you don’t supply your body with carbohydrates, it is forced to burn fat instead, and if you keep your fat intake down too, your body will be forced to burn its own fat (which it actually stores, just in case it finds itself in a situation in which it is not supplied with carbohydrates or additional fats). Eating protein, whole foods and raw vegetables – which are hard to digest – activates your thyroid and thereby the fat-burning process.

Healthy Supplements: Besides iodine, several other supplements help to restore thyroid activity. These include iron, copper, zinc, selenium, Vitamins A and D, the B Group Vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Think about it like this: Without the right fuel, a car will not run properly – perhaps it will not run at all. Besides normal gas, there are also several other fluids it needs, so that various other systems work properly – water in the battery, hydraulic oil for the brakes, clutch and power steering, water and anti-freeze in the radiator and as irrelevant as it may be for the functioning of the motor, water and perhaps some kind of cleaning and anti-freezing agent for the windshield wipers, so that you can clean the windshield while you are driving. Without these fluids, that car isn’t going to work the way you want it to, and without certain crucial vitamins, minerals, and foodstuffs, your body isn’t going to function properly either.

Calm down and get moving: If you want your thyroid to function the way it should, you need to avoid stress, and if you can’t, you need to learn to cope with it better. Have a long, relaxing bath every evening, meditate in a quiet place, lie on the couch and listen to calming music, burn a scented candle and sip some lavender tea, just sit in the garden and enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and forget about work, appointments and whatever is waiting for your attention. Or go for a long walk. Exercise is also very important for activating the thyroid, but if you are very stressed, the last thing your body needs is a strict exercise regime at the gym – all that does is add to your stress. Rather go on long, easy walks. The current accepted “target” is 10,000 steps a day. Try meditating while you walk.

Amazing adaptogens: There are several other supplements, referred to as adaptogens, which have many beneficial properties. They reduce inflammation, help you to cope with stress, improve concentration and much more. Most importantly, if you suffer from hypothyroidism, one of the adaptogens, ashgwanda, helps to balance your thyroid hormones. Another adaptogen, Rhodiola, reduces cortisol levels. Cortisol is released into your body when you are under stress, and as long as your cortisol levels are up, you will not burn any fat at all. Other adaptogens are holy basil, ginseng, and licorice root.

Intermittent fasting: This is not nearly as terrible as it sounds. It’s all about having a daily eating window and literally not eating or drinking anything except an occasional cup of tea without milk or sugar and lots of water outside of those hours. Ideally, you want to aim at eating your first meal at midday and your second (and last) meal at 5 pm. That way, your insulin will only spike twice a day – at each meal – it will go down again during your fasting period. Then, and only then, will your body start to burn calories? It’s a simple principle – insulin in your system, no fat burning! Some people are lucky enough that their insulin levels go down again quickly after a meal, but if you have hypothyroidism, that’s not the case so that the intermittent fasting principle can save the day for you. And the next time someone tells you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, simply laugh at him!

Conclusion

So! What’s the plan of action? If you aren’t sure about your thyroid hormone levels, get them tested. Step 2 is to change your diet – remember, “Down with sugar and starch, up with protein, whole foods, and raw vegetables.” Start intermittent fasting. Part of changing your diet is to include lots of iodine-rich foods and to switch to natural sea salt. Start eating foods that are rich in the vitamins and minerals mentioned above – e.g. liver, dark green vegetables or lentils for iron; meat, eggs, brewer’s yeast, legumes and lentils for B vitamins; sweet potatoes, kale or berries for Vitamin A; fish, mushrooms and plenty of sunshine for Vitamin D; nuts, chia seeds and mushrooms for selenium; lamb, pumpkin seeds and cocoa for zinc; plenty of oily fish, flax and avocados for omega-3 fats. Step 3 is to take relaxation time for yourself and Step 4 is to look at taking some of the adaptogens as supplements. Good luck on the road to a new, slim you!

References

https://www.webmd.com/women/picture-of-the-thyroid#1

https://healthwholeness.com/vitamin-rich-foods/iodine-rich-foods

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-3139/13-Ways-to-Treat-Hypothyroidism-Naturally.html

https://drhyman.com/blog/2010/05/20/a-7-step-plan-to-boost-your-low-thyroid-and-metabolis/

http://www.saragottfriedmd.com/adaptogen-herbs-to-heal-your-thyroid-and-boost-metabolism/

Ticks That Carry Lyme Disease

Written By: admin
John

There are approximately 30,000 reported cases of Lyme disease by state health departments annually in the United States. This is according to the CDC. However, it is suspected that this number could be as higher as 300,000 or more since only a small fraction of the illnesses are reported. Most of the cases of this disease are concentrated in the Northeast, and upper Midwest with over 96% of the cases confirmed in 14 states especially during spring and summer seasons when the ticks are most active. However, the latest study reveals that Ticks carrying Lyme disease are present in almost half of all the counties in the U.S.

Lyme disease is said to be a tick-borne disease spread through the bite of infected ticks. There are believed to be more than a hundred different types of ticks across the world carrying viruses, bacteria or other disease-causing pathogens. However, only a few are commonly known to carry the Lyme disease bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi) and spread it to humans. These are;

  • The black-legged (Ixodes scapularis) -This is the main vector for the disease in the northeastern, north-central as well as mid-Atlantic U.S
  • The western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) – This is responsible for the spread of the disease on the Pacific Coast

Others ticks such as the American dog tick, rocky mountain tick, and lone star tick among others are not yet known to transmit the disease.
These small crawling bugs, which are arachnids, get infected with the Lyme disease bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi) after feeding on an infected animal, often a mouse among other rodents like lizards and squirrels, then later attaching themselves on the human body for a period more than 36 hours. Most of the people are infected when immature ticks (nymphs) bite because the ticks are too tiny to be noticed in their nymphal stage, unlike mature ticks which can be easily discovered and removed before the bacteria is transmitted.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/stats/humancases.html

https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/stats/index.html

https://academic.oup.com/jme/article/53/2/349/2459744

HIV Symptoms In Women

Written By: admin
John

Many times, early HIV symptoms are mild and most cases ignored. However, it should be known that even without visible signs, an infected person can still transmit the virus to another person when there is contact of body fluids such as blood, semen or vaginal fluid especially in case of unprotected sex (both vaginal and anal, and sometimes oral in case of an open wound in the mouth.) In other cases, HIV can be transmitted through infected sharp objects like razor blades and needles. It is therefore ideal to get tested as soon regularly to know your status such that necessary medication can be administered as quickly as possible.

Generally, HIV symptoms tend to be similar in both men and women but there are some differences. The following are just some of the common symptoms that are noticeable sooner after contracting the virus, including those specific to women.

Early symptoms

These are likely to appear in the first few weeks after contracting the virus. However, in some cases, these symptoms are not noticeable. The typical signs include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and lack of energy. In many cases, these symptoms go away within a few weeks.

Skin rashes and sores

Skin problems are significant symptoms of HIV with skin rash being the most common. After transmission of the virus, the skin usually becomes extremely sensitive to sunlight among other irritants. In such cases, skin rashes appearing as flat red patches with small bumps are likely to emerge.

Sores or lesions are also likely to form on the skin around the mouth, anus, and genitals. In most cases, the sores are difficult to treat. Other common skin conditions include shingles and herpes. However, with proper and timely medication, such symptoms can be made less severe.

Swollen glands

Swollen lymph nodes around the neck, armpits, back of the head and groin too are part of the noticeable HIV symptoms in women. The lymph nodes form part of the immune system to filter harmful substances and fend off infections. Immediately the virus gets into the body; the immune system is triggered into high gear resulting in swelling of the lymph nodes which are the swollen glands in this case. These symptoms may last for a couple of months.

Other infections

Once the virus enters into the body, the immune system is weakened making it hard to fight off germs. This way, opportunistic infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and hepatitis take hold. Other likely infections include those affecting the kidney, lungs, skin, brain, and digestive tract. In such situations, it becomes difficult to treat simple ailments like common flu.

It is advisable to take extra precautions such as washing of hands and taking prescribed HIV medications to help prevent such infections and the severity that comes with them.

Menstrual changes

It is common for infected women to experience changes in their menstrual cycle. In some cases, the periods may become lighter or heavier than usual or even not experience periods at all. It is also for infected women to experience severe premenstrual symptoms.

Bacterial and yeast infections

HIV positive women are also likely to experience bacterial and yeast infections. These are difficult to treat in most cases.

Sexually transmitted infections

Any woman infected with HIV has a higher risk of contracting various STIs including trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus and Chlamydia among others. In case of genital herpes, the outbreaks may become worse and appear more frequently. It is also possible that the body may not respond well with herpes treatment leading to genital warts or in severe cases, cervical cancer.

Pelvic inflammatory disease

This is an infection of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. HIV infected women may find it harder to treat this kind of infection making the symptoms to last longer and appear often than usual.

Advanced HIV symptoms

In the advanced stage, HIV leads to AIDS with severe symptoms like diarrhea, excessive weight loss, nausea and vomiting, severe headache, night sweats, shortness of breath, chronic coughs, short-term memory loss, mental confusion, joint pain, muscle aches, and coma. In the advanced HIV stage (AIDS) the immune system is extremely compromised, and infections become hard to fight off. The transition from HIV to AIDS is marked by certain cancers including Kaposi sarcoma, and cervical cancer.

Though some studies have revealed that regular intake of antiretroviral drugs may reduce the virus to undetectable levels in the blood such that the virus cannot be transmitted to another partner during sexual intercourse, it is always advisable to stay safe by using protection. Besides, nursing care focused on symptom assessment, and symptom management is crucial to guarantee extended life expectancy among women living with the virus.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16908232

https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/symptoms-women

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/library/dcl/dcl/092717.html

Fibromyalgia

Carbamazepine: Oral Tablet

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant and can help treat seizures, nerve pain, and bipolar disorder. Common brands include Tegretol, Carbatrol, and Epitol. You will need a prescription for this drug. Do not take this drug for other aches or pain unrelated to your condition. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Please note that this article has contributed extensive research in order to try and provide accurate details of information. However, I am not a doctor and this information should not replace that of a professional’s expertise.

Here we will examine carbamazepine oral tablet, and its related side effects. First, let’s look at how carbamazepine works.

How does it work?

Carbamazepine works by decreasing nerve impulses throughout the body. These nerve impulses can cause seizures and pain, which is why this medicine helps treat certain conditions related to nerve pain and seizures like trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy.

Warnings

There are certain things you should be aware of before taking carbamazepine oral tablet. For more information about the tablet, contact your doctor. The following is a list of warnings associated with carbamazepine:

Allergies

Do not use this drug if you are allergic or if you have had allergic reactions from the drug in the past. Other allergic reactions to certain antidepressants can occur, such as amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, or nortriptyline.

Drug Interactions

Avoid using carbamazepine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) in the past two weeks. A life-threatening drug interaction can occur if you have used this inhibitor recently. For example, some MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl or Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). Make sure to contact your doctor and update them on what other medications you are taking.

Blood Test

Your doctor may recommend a blood test to determine whether or not you are more likely at risk for certain severe side effects, such as a severe skin rash. Some individuals may experience a life-threatening skin rash when first starting carbamazepine.

Pregnant

Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before using this drug. If you are pregnant while taking carbamazepine, you may be closely observed by your doctor to ensure no severe side effects arise. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant. Additionally, you should not breast-feed while on carbamazepine.

Furthermore, if you are taking a form of birth control, know that carbamazepine can make your birth control less effective and increase the chances of pregnancy.

Alcohol

Do not consume alcohol while using carbamazepine. Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of side effects, such as increase the risk of seizures.

Food

You may need to avoid certain foods while using carbamazepine, such as grapefruit. Grapefruit can lead to certain side effects. Do not eat or use grapefruit products.

Sunlight

Avoid too much sunlight or tanning beds because carbamazepine can make you sunburn more easily. If you are outside in the sun, make sure to wear clothing that covers your skin and use sunscreen to help protect the skin.

Other Warnings

If you have had heart problems, liver or kidney disease, glaucoma, porphyria, or suicidal thoughts or actions, carbamazepine may not be the right option for you. Carbamazepine can worsen these conditions, and you should not take it if you have had a history of any of the conditions listed above. Talk to your doctor if you have experienced any of the conditions.

Side Effects

Possible side effects can occur while using carbamazepine. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about the side effects of this drug.

Allergies: As mentioned previously, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to this drug. Examples of a severe allergic reaction include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, skin pain, or a rash. Call 911 at once if you experience any of these severe reactions.

Mood or Behavior: Symptoms can worsen if you have depression. Some examples include sudden mood or behavior changes, increased anxiety, insomnia, agitation, restlessness, and irritability. Also, carbamazepine can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Call your doctor immediately if you believe you are experiencing any of these effects.

Other Side Effects:

  • change in heartbeat
  • loss of appetite
  • stomach pain
  • dark urine
  • anemia
  • low levels of sodium (headaches, confusion, weakness, seizures)
  • dizziness
  • loss of coordination
  • nausea
  • sleepiness

For a full list of side effects, talk to your doctor or go to Drugs.com.

Oral Tablet vs. Extended-Release Capsules

Take carbamazepine with your meals in order to help reduce the risk of an upset stomach. If you decide to take the drug without food, you may feel nauseated. However, carbamazepine extended-release capsules do not require you to take it with meals. Do not crush or chew the capsules. If, however, you do experience the need to vomit while taking the capsules, try taking it with your meals as well.

Hypothyroidism Hair Loss

Written By: admin
John

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss in acute circumstances. Hypothyroidism is caused by underactive thyroid and it deteriorates the health of the hair by making it brittle, dry and thin.

Although it is difficult to establish whether the medication causes this or the changes in the thyroid, but generally the anti-thyroid drugs are not responsible.
The hair follicles on the scalp have a very unique behavior. The growth is not continuous but occurs in phases and there are gaps. The hair grows in length in active phase and the hair is lost plus replaced in the rest phase. It is common to lose hair during the times of illness or after them because the stress of the disease puts pressure and causes the follicles to be in the rest stage.

You will be glad to know that in most cases of hypothyroidism, the hair loss is temporary. After the treatment of the illness, drugs can be used to improve hair growth but it can be slow. The slow life cycle of the hair with longer rest phases is what causes the delay.

With proper self-care methods including hair loss supplements and keeping adrenal fatigue under observation, the health of the hair can be restored.

What Does Lyme Disease Look Like?

Written By: admin
John

Lyme disease is transmitted when infected ticks bite human beings. Ticks in their nymph stage are more likely to cause the infection because they are tiny and invisible. However, a characteristic rash on the skin surface may be noticed sooner after infection. The skin rash is known as erythema migrans which is red and circular around the place of the tick bite.

The rash usually appears within three to fourteen days after the bite of an infected tick. The rash then continues to grow larger with time, and sometimes more rashes may appear with varying sizes and shapes. The most common places where such rashes may appear are the thighs, armpits, trunk, and groin. Over time, as the rash grows larger the center of the rash, usually the point of the bite starts to clear forming a “bull’s eye” appearance. The rash is generally warm but painless.

It is sometimes possible to experience rashes after around the site of a tick bite but not necessarily caused by Lyme disease. Tick saliva may also be responsible for an allergic reaction which causes skin rashes which may be confused with that caused by Lyme disease. To differentiate the two, usually rashes resulting from allergic reactions to tick bites appear within hours to few days after the bite but will not expand and soon disappear.

Can you die from Lyme disease?

Written By: admin
John

There is a lot of controversy as to whether Lyme disease can lead to death when left untreated for a long time. However, a new US government study has indicated that Lyme disease rarely causes death in humans.

Using a database which stated 114 deaths caused by Lyme disease, it was found that a lot of multiple health problems were the causes of individual deaths, while only 23 deaths have Lyme disease has an underlying cause.

Using death records collected from 45 U.S. states, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that between 1999 and 2003, 114 records were listing Lyme disease as a cause of death. Out of all 23 deaths, only one death was caused by symptoms quite similar to that of Lyme disease. It is due to this finding that Lyme disease is said to cause death in the US rarely.

The conclusion that Lyme disease isn’t a killer, however, doesn’t deal with the controversial belief of some health practitioners who are of the belief that the long-term effects of Lyme disease may lead to fatal health problems.

Certain medical groups have indicated that a majority of the cases of Lyme disease can be cured by making use of four weeks of antibiotic treatment. However, some people still develop life-long problems despite antibiotic treatment.

The lethal nature of Lyme disease is controversial, due to the fact that some long-term effects of Lyme disease could result in death threatening conditions. These conditions are known to include depression or fibromyalgia, which are common conditions in the general population, but based on reports, Lyme disease has never been recorded as the cause of death in any situation.